1. Takashi Murakami

2. Background Born in Tokyo, Japan in 1962 Grew up in a rapidly growing economy heavy importing of American pop culture. Otaku is a subculture of anime (Japanese animation) and manga (anime based comics).

3. Superflat “That integration is producing yet another ‘superflat’ image: us.” Murakami is referring to the blurring of fine art and commercial art. Blurs the lines drawn between East and West, past and present, high art and popular culture.

4. East and West His artwork shows that in trying to find a Japanese identity, they cannot be separated from the Western cultures because it has influenced Japan modernization. His artwork shows that in trying to find a Japanese identity, they cannot be separated from the Western cultures because it has influenced Japan modernization.

5. Past and Present References the Japanese calligraphy brushstrokes. Mocks the glory of Abstract Expressionism and their brushstrokes.

6. High Art and Low Art “Few people come to museums. Much bigger are the movie theaters…the [museum] is like old style media. That’s why I am really interested in making merchandise for ordinary people.”

7. Mr. DOB Kaikai and Kiki

8. Questions Where was Takashi Murakami born? Tokyo, Japan What art “ism” does Takashi Murakami reference? Abstract Expressionism

9. Where might you have seen his work?

10. Questions Match the following: Mr. DOB Kaikai Kiki A.A. B. C.