Kumi Contemporary Japanese Art

Takashi Murakami’s magical Doraemon Prints

Kumi — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 11:00:36 +0000

Takashi Murakami Doraemon – Wouldn’t it Be Nice if We Could Do Such a Thing – Lithograph, 2019

Affectionately known as the ‘Mikey Mouse of Japan,’ Doraemon has enjoyed enduring popularity for decades and played a role in several of Japan’s significant moments, including the 2016 Olympic closing ceremony. Doraemon even made appearances in Toyota car commercials and was employed by politicians to boost their popularity. This beloved robotic cat from the future, often referred to as a stray, has also found its way into the artistic world of Takashi Murakami, adding a futuristic and adventurous touch to his iconic manga characters.

Takashi Murakami Let’s Go on the Time Machine, 2021

Unlike Murakami’s other works, those featuring Doraemon offer glimpses into Japanese life through snapshots of the character’s adventures. These adventures are woven into both individual figurative pieces and larger landscape artworks. One such piece, ‘Let’s Go on the Time Machine’ from 2021, showcases Doraemon’s character development as he travels back in time to alter the fate of a young boy’s grandfather. This simple yet beautiful storyline underscores Doraemon’s good-natured and helpful personality, making him one of Japan’s most beloved and recognizable manga characters. In fact, Doraemon has been designated as the ambassador for all Japanese manga characters, making it fitting that Murakami, with his appreciation for manga and background in Japanese art, would incorporate this iconic figure into his creations. Fujiko F. Fujio,

Doraemon’s creators, first introduced this endearing robot cat in 1969, and he has since achieved global success through multiple movies and television appearances, both in Japan and internationally. In homage to Doraemon’s creators, Murakami crafted a piece titled ‘Doraemon, Let’s Go Beyond These Dimensions on a Time Machine with Master Fujiko F. Fujio! 2020.’

Takashi Murakami Doraemon Wouldnt It Be Nice If We Could Do This and That, 2020

Doraemon is often depicted alongside a young boy named Nobita, another central character in their time-traveling escapades. Murakami’s superflat painting style skillfully juxtaposes the stories of these two friends, who seem to effortlessly traverse multiple dimensions. Through his art, he captures their friendship and sense of adventure, most notably in ‘Friendship Forever!, 2021.’

Takashi Murakami Friendship Forever!, 2021

The diverse range of pieces featuring Doraemon underscores the profound influence of manga on Japanese culture and the deep admiration for this iconic character.

Takashi Murakami Doraemon: Here We Go! Lithograph, 2020

View the full selection of Takashi Murakami Doraemon prints here

Takashi Murakami Silkscreen Flower Prints

Kumi — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 22:00:12 +0000

Takashi Murakami’s silkscreen flowers are instantly recognisable. They are limited edition, stand out prints that are sure to enhance any collection. Takashi Murakami’s works are beautifully curated and incorporate a variety of colors, making it easy to find one to complement existing works. The vibrancy of these pieces is enhanced through the silkscreen printing process.

Takashi Murakami Heavens Gate, 2022

This elegant and exuberant new piece, Heavens Gate, 2022, is Takashi Murakami’s latest square silkscreen. Details within this piece have been luxuriously highlighted in platinum leaf for the most exquisite finish. This is a premium signed edition of 100.

Yonaguni, 2022

Yonaguni is part of a new series that reimagines Murakami’s most memorable motif. It is only one of two pieces on sale here that incorporate a wider variety of other flowers within its petals. Measuring 50cm by 50cm it is easy to place amongst existing collections and instantly recognisable as a Murakami.

Smile On, Rainbow Flower!! , 2020

This popular and eye-catching piece is arguably Murakami’s most sought after rainbow colored flower. The superflat style perfectly highlights the vivd color choices.

Entrance Ceremony, 2022

Entrance ceremony is a new polychromatic piece, measuring 50cm by 50cm. It shares similar aesthetics with Yonaguni, however, it has a wonderful vivaciously vibrant centre.

Rainbow Flower, 2020

Rainbow flower is a truly iconic piece by Murakami. This print measures 50cm by 50cm and could sit comfortably side-by-side with others in the series. It is another fabulous example of the vivid colours produced by the combination of the silkscreen technique and superflat style.

Smiley Days with Ms Flower to You!, 2020

The last in the series of colorful Flower Ball faces to have a singular smile, Smiley Days with Ms Flower to You! has a beautiful title and a simpler appearance. The interjecting white petals allow the eye to focus on the carefully curated colors.

Rainbow Smiley, 2020

This wonderfully warped creation is brimming with color and offers a different perspective on the traditional flower motif. Rather unusually, the central flower portrays two sets of eyes and offers an alternative expression to earlier works.

Shangri-la Shangri-la Shangri-la Pink Silkscreen, 2018

Takashi Murakami’s Shangri-la Shangri-la Shangri-la Pink in silkscreen format is an edition of 100. The silkscreen format involves applying each layer of colour separately to create a print that is both subtly unique and full of character. The negative space between the flowers is embellished in glitter, sparkling beautifully as it plays with the light.

Shangri-la Shangri-la Shangri-la Blue Silkscreen, 2018

Takashi Murakami’s Shangri-la Shangri-la Shangri-la Blue in silkscreen format is an edition of 100. The silkscreen format involves applying each layer of colour separately to create a print that is both subtly unique and full of character. The negative space between the flowers is embellished in glitter, sparkling beautifully as it plays with the light.

Takashi Murakami Shangri-la Shangri-la Shangri-la Silkscreen, 2017

Takashi Murakami’s Shangri-la Shangri-la Shangri-la in silkscreen format in an edition of 100. Not to be confused with the lithograph version of 300, the silkscreen format involves applying each layer of colour separately to create a print that is both subtly unique and full of character. The negative space between the flowers is Platinum leaf.

Takashi Murakami Multicolor Double Face Black, 2020

This double-faced flower is one of a spectacular series produced in 2020, and is rectangular in shape, measuring 60cm by 50cm. The greater array of petals allows for a wider variety of shades to be showcased in this superflat style.

Takashi Murakami Multicolor Double Face Yellow, 2020

Multicolor Double Face Yellow, 2020 is the brightest in this dazzling series of rectangular prints. The flower’s three eyes contrast brilliantly against the brightly colored background.

Takashi Murakami Multicolor Double Face White, 2020

Multicolor Double Face White, 2020 cleverly combines the combination of a vivid colorway, alongside the absence of color. It is the last in the series of rectangular silkscreens on offer, measuring 60cm by 50cm and would look fabulous as a statement piece.

Takashi Murakami Coffee Blues Black, 2020

This phenomenal screen print has been created by displaying Murakami’s motif on top of used coffee filter paper. It is one of a series of experimental prints produced by Murakami in which his motifs appear carefully curated in this way.

New Takashi Murakami – Korin

Kumi — Wed, 25 Jan 2023 06:00:17 +0000

Murakami’s traditional training in Nihonga is beautifully reflected in the Korin series. Whilst these works continue to display the face motif that has become synonymous with the artist, they also have a supernatural quality – due, in part, to the background of recurrent miniature skulls and the titles in this series. These superflat works are highlighted by luxurious shimmering gold and silver layers.

Korin The Golden River, 2022

This luxuriously exuberant piece radiates a gold shimmer, which catches the light from many angles. The meandering golden waves ensure that the colour runs contiguously throughout the work.

Korin The Land Beyond Death Bathed in Light, 2022

The meandering dark river stands in stark contrast to the exquisitely illuminated background motifs. As the title of this piece suggests, it reflects the light that it is bathed in – adding a shimmering quality.

Flowers Blooming in the Isle of the Dead, 2022

The vibrant river running through this piece accentuates the red flower face as they stand against the unilluminated background. This piece oozes spiritual and mystical awe.

A Return from Wandering, 2022

The sinuous cobalt blue river running through this piece is beautifully complemented by the generous waves of gold. The flower motifs pop out against the tenebrous background and are intensified by the brightly coloured leaves. This title alludes to the feeling of freedom and adventure.

Chinese New Year Red Flower Ball offer – 10% off

Kumi — Fri, 20 Jan 2023 22:00:05 +0000

We would like to wish all those celebrating the New Year a wonderful time and to mark this occasion we are offering 10% off all red Flower Balls.

Fireball, 2022

This exuberant Flower Ball displays a selection of the brightest grins. It incorporates a wider variety of colours than some of the other predominantly red pieces.

Flowers of Gratitude, 2022

Look a little closer and you will see that this piece has pink undertones and larger flowers, which supports the three dimensional appearance. This is one of a series of prints with a predominantly red hue.

Inside The Soul, 2022

The centre flower offers a variety of muted shades and tones, in contrast to other prints in this series; it maintains a unique colour combination when viewed with its adorning petals.

Let Us Devote Our Hearts, 2022

Perhaps the most vibrant of them all, Let Us Devote Our Hearts, combines an abundance of pink and red tones together. This insanely eye-catching piece is sure to stand out on any wall!

New Takashi Murakami – Heavens Gate, 2022

Kumi — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 11:48:04 +0000

Heavens Gate, 2022

New Takashi Murakami Flower Ball prints for sale

Kumi — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 12:07:33 +0000

We are excited to offer 8 new Takashi Murakami Flower Ball prints for sale. Murakami’s Flower Balls are some of his most desired works and for the first time since 2018, he has produced a fresh take on this classic. Peruse the new colour-ways below.

Takashi Murakami: Beyond the Dimensions, 2022

This statement piece will stand out on any wall. Surrounding the iconic multicoloured flower is a range of bold, rainbow coloured flowers and a resurgence of the popular turquoise tones – arguably the brightest of these classic flower balls.

Murakami: Flowerball Colorful, Miracle, Sparkles, 2022

Exquisite blocks of pastel colours surround the centre flower – providing a fresh and airy feel to this piece, great for the start of a new year!

Takashi Murakami: Inside the Rainbow’s Heart, 2022

The shades in this piece provide a three dimensional, dynamic aspect – whilst remaining true to Murakami’s super flat printing technique. This is the latest evolution of the flower ball and it has a distinctly modern appearance.

Takashi Murakami: Burying My Face in the Field of Flower, 2022

A dazzling array of multicolored flowers wrapped around Murakami’s signature central rainbow; a piece bursting with pastel hues.

Takashi Murakami: Flowers of Gratitude, 2022

Takashi Murakami: Inside The Soul, 2022

The centre flower offers a variety of muted shades and tones, in contrast to other prints in this series; it maintains a unique colour combination when viewed with its adorning petals.

Takashi Murakami: Let Us Devote Our Hearts, 2022

Perhaps the most vibrant of them all, Let Us Devote Our Hearts, combines an abundance of pink and red tones together. This insanely eye-catching piece is sure to stand out on any wall!

Takashi Murakami: Fireball, 2022

This exuberant Flower Ball displays a selection of the brightest grins. It incorporates a wider variety of colours than some of the other predominantly red pieces.

Hush Duality Print Artist Proofs now available

Kumi — Mon, 17 Dec 2018 13:57:20 +0000

We’re delighted to offer very special Artist Proofs of Hush’s sensational Duality print. Executed as a stunning 24 color lithograph on the world famous Marinoni press, this new edition marks a giant progression in Hush’s career as an established fine artist.

The standard edition artist proof is from a small edition of 15, whilst the exquisite 22ct silver leaf and 22ct gold leaf artist proof editions are from an edition of just 3.

Hush Duality Standard Edition Artist Proof Edition of 15

Hush Duality Gold Edition Artist Proof Edition of 3

Hush Duality Silver Edition Artist Proof Edition of 3

Contemporary Art Station announces ’Shibuya Station Exhibition’ for March 19

Kumi — Mon, 01 Oct 2018 12:25:48 +0000

Contemporary Art Station, the platform that facilitates both emerging and established artists to display their works in public, is pleased to announce the first edition of ’Shibuya Station Exhibition’. The exhibition will turn the Tokyo based underground railway station into an art exhibition, and welcomes artists to participate by sending in their proposals. The curation process is currently on, and the show is limited to 42 artists.

The ’Shibuya Station Exhibition’ offers a great opportunity for artists to showcase their works in front of an estimated 2.4 million commuters each day for a week. The posters will be on display at the tube station from March 5 to March 11, 2019. The exhibits will be located near the ceramic mural ‘Kira Kira Shibuya’ by Koji Kinutani, created in 2008.

The exhibition will be an amazing marketing opportunity for all artists, since its duration coincides with the Tokyo Fair Period (between March 7-10, 2019), which attracts thousands of art lovers, collectors and gallerists to the station while on their way to the Fair.

Shibuya Station is located in Shibuya, Tokyo, and handles on average 2.4 million passengers on weekdays as per 2014 data. This makes it the fourth busiest commuter rail station in Japan and the world. The station connects the center of the city and suburbs to the south and west regions.

Contemporary Art Station, based in London and Tokyo, aims to make it easy and affordable for artists to bring their works to the big-scale public through installations and exhibitions. The team offers pre-production services, poster printing using latest digital technologies, professional installation work, photography in situ, online features of artists participating in exhibitions, updates on social media with artists’ contact details, zero-commission sales during exhibitions, and solo exhibitions.

For more information visit: Contemporary Art Station

Homage to Francis Bacon Prints by Takashi Murakami: Study of George Dyer and Study of Isabel Rawsthorne.

Kumi — Fri, 14 Sep 2018 10:30:08 +0000

We’re pleased to be able to offer two classic Takashi Murakami prints. Homage to Francis Bacon consists of Study of George Dyer and Study of Isabel Rawsthorne.

Murakami has long been an admirer of Francis Bacon’s work and created his first homage to the great artist in 2004. The work was based on Francis Bacon’s original work Studies of George Dyer and Isabel Rawsthorne, 1970, pictured below.
Like the 2004 release, Murakami’s latest edition incorporates his own characters, infusing the same energy and surrealism. Using cold stamp foil in the background, the characters really pop from the paper as the light bounces and plays with the metallic surface. The works are from a limited edition of 300, signed and numbered by Murakami.

Buy Takashi Murakami’s An Homage to Francis Bacon

New in: Takashi Murakami’s Vapor Trail in the Blue Summer Sky Print

Kumi — Sat, 28 Jul 2018 10:30:44 +0000

We’re thrilled to offer a new Takashi Murakami’s gem titled Vapor Trail in the Blue Summer Sky.

The classic image of brightly coloured flowers on a backdrop of a beautiful blue sky was one of the very first examples of Murakami’s flower motif which has now become synonymous with the artist.

It’s also the image that was recently used for Takashi Murakami’s Doraemon collaboration. A collaboration that has become legendary in its own right and one that had thousands of visitors fly to Tokyo from around the world to view.

Takashi Murakami’s Vapor Trail in the Blue Summer Sky print.

The vibrant and colourful work is from a limited edition of 100 and is executed as a color lithograph. This is quite different from Takashi Murakami’s typical release of 300.

The color lithograph varies from off-set lithograph because it is hand-pulled. This means that the colours are separated during the printing process which leads to a far more vibrant and crafted finish.

Add this classic work to your collection from KUMI Contemporary.
https://www.kumicontemporary.com/view/takashi-murakami-vapor-trail-in-the-blue-summer-sky-print.html