If the Double Helix Wakes Up...
Takashi Murakami
(Japanese, born in 1962)
2002
Country of Origin, for CustomsJapan
Medium/TechniqueAcrylic on canvas mounted on wood
Dimensions250.2 x 399.4 cm (98 1/2 x 157 1/4 in.) overall
3 panels, each 98 1/2 x 52 1/4 in.
3 panels, each 98 1/2 x 52 1/4 in.
Credit LineCatherine and Paul Buttenwieser Fund
Accession number2002.108
On View
Not on viewClassificationsPanels
Collections
Murakami blends traditional Japanese painting, a love of Pop Art, and the influence of manga, Japanese comics. Bright colors and action-packed compositions support his signature character (and alter ego) Mr. DOB. With his round ears and expressive face, Mr. DOB, inspired by Mickey Mouse, often appears sweet, but here we see the sinister side of Murakami’s star. The title and swirling forms refer to DNA—Mr. DOB has mutated, now a highly distorted figure with sharp fangs and beady eyes.
ProvenanceThe artist; with Marianne Boesky Gallery, New York, 2002; to MFA, Boston, 2002
CopyrightCourtesy Marianne Boesky Gallery, New York
©2002 Takashi Murakami/Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
14th century