kyoto through the eyes of a genious, takashi murakami
Kyoto City Kyocera Museum of Art, known especially for its rich collection of modern art of Kyoto, has always been on my mind, but putting modern museum in the already-tight travel itinerary has always been a challenge. This time, I was determined to schedule my afternoon in Kyoto around specific destination points rather than trying to cover as many places as possible. At the very top of my list was Takashi Murakami’s “MONONOKE KYOTO.”
“MONONOKE KYOTO” showcases 170 of Murakami’s works, reflecting his philosophy and unique style that blends Japanese pop culture, manga, and traditional craftsmanship.
The exhibition opens with a breathtaking 12-meter piece depicting the city of Kyoto during the Edo Period. Originally drawn by Matabei Iwasa in the 17th century, Murakami recreates the vibrant city in his own style, paying meticulous attention to the smallest details. The intricate details on the canvas bring out the noise, conversations, and chaos of everyday life in that era. I quickly realized my stay at the museum would be much longer than planned, as I found myself captivated in just the first room.
The second room is equally striking, a dark space with four god beasts guarding Kyoto from all directions. The city bell tower, which alerted residents to disasters, combined with Murakami’s skulls, fills the room with an eerie atmosphere.
Leaving the dark room, the mood shifts dramatically. The exhibition then displays Murakami’s signature “Super Flat” works. DOB figures and multiple pieces using the super flat technique fill the rooms with joy, laughter, and wonder. I marveled at his comedic interpretation of “Fu-jin, Raijin,” traditional Buddhist figures.
I won’t go into detail about every piece, but I must share my excitement about this amazing collection. It showcases Murakami’s diverse methods of expression and his relentless pursuit of new interpretations and creations in art.
This exhibition is exclusive to the Kyoto City Kyocera Museum of Art and runs until September 1. It’s worth a visit to Kyoto just to experience this remarkable exhibition!
