SF/Arts Curator Insight

Takashi Murakami: Unfamiliar People — Swelling of Monsterized Human Ego is the first solo exhibition in San Francisco by critically acclaimed Japanese artist Takashi Murakami. Beyond being a renowned art world staple known for bold colors and anime-inspired figures, Murakami is also a major figure in global pop culture whose influence extends to fashion, consumer products, curation, and entertainment. Murakami’s accessible and fun creations deliver more than meets the eye: beneath the surface of his work lies a nuanced examination of human behavior, informed by historical and art-historical references and a wry sense of humor. New works created for this exhibition find Murakami responding to a social environment marked by a global pandemic and a shift toward the virtual. The exhibition will feature large scale paintings and sculptures and is sure to delight audiences young and old.