Memberfied

Marketing works.

Last night, I got home and checked my mail. Within it was an envelope decorated with dozens of smiling flowers. To me, they were instantly recognizable - they were the work of my favorite living artist, Takashi Murakami. Inside the envelope was a poster of his work (both that and the envelope are now on the fridge) and an invitation to join the MOCA (one of LA's big art museums). I thought about it, then called them up to ask a few questions. What I found out was that essentially, I would get two memberships for the price of one. For the year I would get free admission to the museum and to all member openings and parties and I would get to bring a guest to everything. Plus I'd also get free parking (key in Los Angeles). But, of course, for me the real selling point was that I'd get to attend the members party for the upcoming Takashi Murakami exhibit on October 27th :)

So, now, I'm a member of an art museum. And here, for any of you who are not familiar, are some images of Murakami's work. He's been nicknamed the Japanese Andy Warhol (he screenprints but also uses one character, Mr. DoB, over and over again in his work) and while I love Warhol, I think the real reason I like his art is that it is extremely weird and fantastical, but also sort of akin to Alice in Wonderland (see mushrooms). I also find it interesting that while his pieces feel very contemporary, almost anime-style, he sometimes incorporates aspects of traditional Japanese art within the work.






Murakami also started an artists' collective called Kaikai Kiki, and within it is another artist, Chiho Aoshima, whose work I also enjoy. Here are a few of her pieces.