MURAKAMI x KANYE WEST
Murakami x Kanye West
Although Kanye West withdrew from the American Academy of Art, where he studied visual arts, he has always held an appreciation for hip hop culture, art, and fashion. Apparently, he is a huge fan of Louis Vuitton, Guy Bourdin, John Currin, and most of all, Murakami. This is evident in his album work, which has been created in a variety of mediums by a variety of artists, including some aforementioned.
Apparently, Kanye had seen Murakami’s sculpture Miss Ko2, and took a liking to it. His record label, Ye, contacted Murakami and asked if he could visit the artist in his studio to see it. As the sculpture had been returned to the studio for repairs, Murakami agreed. Upon visiting, Kanye took several photographs and called the work “good” and “fresh.” Later, Murakami was asked to design Kanye’s next album cover. The result is the album cover art for Kanye West’s 2007 album Graduation. It features a classically Murakami brown bear character wearing sneakers, jeans, a university jacket and a golden chain. His eyes are colorful and shiny as he erupts from what appears to be a roman temple, on a floating island that is visually similar to Murakami’s painting Tan Tan Bo Puking, against a gradient purple to orange clouded sky. Other student creatures are featured in the background, including cheerleaders and creatures wearing graduation gowns. The art has an almost 3D feel to it, straying from Murakami’s superflat artwork aesthetics. According to Murakami, “The cover is based on Kanye's theme of student life. School. It's a place of dreams, of righteousness, a place to have fun. It's also occasionally a place where you experience the rigid dogma of the human race.” Murakami also directed a 3D animated music video for Kanye’s song Good Morning, featuring the same characters. The world he creates is psychedelic but intriguing, colorful and 3D, but toon-shaded. Murakami is officially accredited with the character design, and his company the production. Murakami has done collaborative artwork with many other celebrities, including Louis Vuitton, Issey Miyake, and Pharrell Williams. |