Murakami – Ego

OH.MY.GOD!!! That was the first thing I uttered the moment I stepped foot inside Murakami's exhibition, titled Murakami – Ego. There I was, standing in the middle of Japanese artist Takashi Murakami's first exhibition in the Middle East and one of his largest to date. That was a day that will forever be engraved in my head!

The exhibition, curated by Massimiliano Gioni, gives an insight into Murakami’s fantasy world and his unique take on pop culture. Remember Murakami’s collaboration with Louis Vuitton several years ago??

Everything inside was just out-of-this-world! A colorful painting that stretched 100 meters long?! A huuuge circus tent covered with Murakami's signature eye and flower patterns where inside you'll find a theater showcasing Murakami’s latest animated films, a massive inflatable balloon which was once used for Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York, and so many things that I can't possibly list in one post. More than 70 of Murakami's works from 1997 to the present. And there were several new works created especially for this show. This is one exhibition any art-loving person in this region should not miss.Kudos to Qatar Museums Authority (QMA) for taking the art scene to a whole new level.

Unfortunately, I was not allowed to take any photos inside. I was only allowed to take photos of items displayed on the entrance. BUT I did find this behind the scenes video with Takashi Murakami and his Kaikai Kiki team preparing for the launch, it also gives you a sneak peek of what to expect to see inside.Or you can check out The Huffington Post link for more photos.

Murakami – Ego will be on until 24th June 2012 at the Al Riwaq exhibition hall, located next to the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Qatar.

Murakami’s signature smiling flowers were everywhere! On the artist's painting and sculptures. And event on the entrance's rugs and curtains. A Sight for sore eyes!

The moment I walked in to Al Riwaq I was greeted by this massive self-portrait inflatable balloon of Murakami, around 6-meters high, extending his hand outwards as if he's about to greet me. The details on the inflatable sculpture were aaaahhmazing!

Plush flower ball 400mm is priced at QR 11,500 (around KD 881 / $3,160). The 25cm is priced at QR 7,600 (around KD 582 / $2,088).

I got 3 of these plates which I'll be hanging somewhere in our home.

And of course a Murakami Mug! 

I sooo want this couch!

No I want this one, which also comes with a hefty price tag! QR 190,000 (around KD 14,569 / $52,218)

Check out these adorable Murakami jewelry... rings, charms, and pendants...