MERCHANDISE
Merchandise
Further blurring the lines between high and low art culture, Murakami began mass producing merchandise for his following. These items feature his artwork and characteristic artistic motifs such as flowers, DOB, Kaikai, and Kiki. They often feature Below are a few examples of the items he produces and sells.
Complete with cute and colorful packaging, this "rubber strap" is one of many keychains featuring his happy and kawaii flower character. This keychain sells for only $12, as compared to the $80 for a painting of the same character.
Not featuring a character, but rather an artistic motif, this keychain is a blue eye -- complete with reflections and shines typical of manga and anime and Murakami's works. It also sells for $12 and comes in other colors, including black.
Also $12, this keychain features the character KO2, an original Murakami character from his film Jellyfish Eyes. She has also been manifested as a sculpture which can be seen in the gallery on this site. Being a fan of manga and anime characters and art style, this keychain is one my personal favorites. It is also far more kawaii and chibi, as opposed to erotic like her sculpture, which I appreciate.
The last of the keychains I will feature here, this one is plush instead of rubber, and features Kaikai. It is about the same size as a rubber strap, but sells for $25.
Also Kaikai, this is a plush toy with "beanbag bodies and dangly arms and legs." It sells for $49! Quite a difference compared to the keychains.
Murakami sells Eco Tote Bags...who knew?! I might buy one of these if I had $18 to spare. It's nice and simple, but still so happy looking!
I really love the fact that Murakami sells stickers. These are all characters and motifs from his film Jellyfish Eyes. I would definitely buy these for $4.
I actually find this product a bit comical -- it is a mini towel.
With a Murakami flower. For $8. Cute! The last piece of merchandise I will feature - a button of Tongari-kun 2 for $6! One of the more colorful items he creates. Expensive for a button, but practical and easy to feature on a backpack or something similar.
|