Even if his work refers to the traditional Edo era, Murakami is a key representative of Japanese culture today and of a generation whose imaginary world is steeped in manga culture. Held to be one of the leading figurers of Japanese Neopop, he fully espouses the heritage of Warhol and American Pop Art while at the same time working to find ways for Japanese art to assert autonomy in regards to Western models.
For his first solo show in a European institution, he presents a selection of works, most of which have been made specifically for the show. Monumental sculptures, paintings and wallpapers, as well as a balloon, give visitors a broad introduction to his imaginary world.