Takashi Murakami: The Octopus Eats Its Own Leg

This book offers the first serious monograph on Takashi Murakami (b. 1962), one of the most renowned contemporary artists, accompanying his retrospective exhibition. It traces his career from his early training to his current studio practice, exploring his connection to Japanese tradition, the fusion of high and low art, East and West, and contexts such as postwar Japan, folklore, the Tokyo art scene of the 1980s and 90s, and the threat of nuclear war. It includes essays, previously unpublished illustrations, a detailed biography, and an exhibition history, making it essential for collectors.