Takashi Murakami's series, And Then, is a profound exploration of his artistic evolution, spanning from the early stages of his career in the 1990s to his status as a globally recognized figure in art and design by 2013. This series of lithograph prints reflects Murakami's journey through various phases of his development, showcasing how his style and thematic concerns have matured and expanded over the years.
By 2013, Murakami had not only been named one of Time Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People," but he had also formed high-profile collaborations with celebrities like Kanye West and luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton. These partnerships underscored his dual influence in both the art world and popular culture, mirroring the celebrity associations and commercial success enjoyed by Andy Warhol, whom Murakami is often compared to. Like Warhol, who is known as the father of Pop Art, Murakami has been dubbed the 'Warhol of Japan' due to his similar fascination with mechanical repetition, mass production, and the merging of commercial and high art.
Murakami's academic background in 'nihonga'—a traditional style of Japanese painting—at the Tokyo University of Fine Arts and Music initially led him to a career within the conventional fine art world. However, feeling constrained by its politicized and insular nature, he pivoted towards contemporary styles, drawing significant inspiration from 'otaku' culture—a subculture steeped in technology and popular media. This shift was further enriched by his engagement with anime and manga, which are often considered elements of Japan's 'low' culture. By incorporating these aspects into his art, Murakami not only blurred the lines between 'high' and 'low' culture but also challenged the hierarchical distinctions prevalent in the art world.
Murakami’s And Then series exemplifies his unique ability to synthesize Eastern and Western influences, adopting techniques from Western fine arts and melding them with iconic elements of Japanese visual culture. This fusion is evident in the prints themselves, which range from his early experimental works to those produced at the peak of his international acclaim, each piece serving as a milestone in his ongoing quest to redefine the boundaries of contemporary art. Through this series, Murakami continues to challenge conventional notions of art, much like Warhol did with his iconic depictions of consumer goods, yet he maintains a distinctive voice that captures the complex interplay of globalization, culture, and identity.