Master & Student: Murakami shows off his prize Protégé, Inoche…

A very select group of VIPs got the first look at TAKASHI MURAKAMI’s groundbreaking retrospective, “© Murakami,” at MoCA’s GEFFEN CONTEMPORARY today where the artist’s greatest visual hits from the past ten years are just days away from going on display to the good people of Los Angeles. Featuring over 100 of the artist’s most important works to date, including massive sculptures (including one dipped in platinum) and multi-panel paintings alongside original drawings and vinyl toys & accessories, the show is the ultimate must-see affair for the faithful. The much-talked about on-site LOUIS VUITTON store (which shares no revenue with MoCA, only Murakami and the brand profit from sales) is very much alive and well in the center of the museum’s cavernous halls where brand new collaborative Murakami handbags are waiting to be snatched up by otaku housewives (a more low-rent gift shop features less pricey—but not cheap—wares for the masses is also open for business). As pretty as the show may look, Murakami’s fascination with commercialism and especially his personal LV store has drawn the ire of many of the city’s art cognoscenti who believe the hallowed institution might be sullying its name by showing the work of someone who, in many critical circles, is still regarded as a “commercial artist”. As always, art is in the eye of the beholder, and the sheer drawing power of this monumental show will surely put to rest such highbrow concerns. It’s also the most youth-friendly exhibit to hit LA in years. HAVE A LOOK:

All photos by Jamie O’Shea

Murakami’s masterpiece: This giant beast is finished entirely in platinum leaf, officially making it the ultimate piece of art bling…

East meets West: Murakami with Gary Baseman & Tim Biskup…

Tim Biskup finds comfort amongst his own kind…

Darren “DR” Romanelli sizes up the competition…