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About the artwork
Born from a playful, yet cynical, blend of 1970s manga and comedy, Mr. DOB debuted in 1993 as a response to American conceptualism. His nonsensical name, "Dobozite, Dobozite, Oshamanbe," became the foundation for a character that challenges artistic expression. A visual amalgamation of Mickey Mouse, Sonic, Doraemon, and others, DOB dissects global consumerism, echoing Warhol and Koons. The name, also interpretable as "why? why?", reflects DOB's questioning nature, seen in his diverse portrayals from innocent to ominous, suggesting Murakami's alter ego. A blend of Edo aesthetics, manga, and American influence, DOB, a once-visual pun, is now a powerful icon, shaping Murakami's art.
About the artist
Born in Tokyo in 1962, Takashi Murakami is a globally celebrated Japanese artist who masterfully dismantles the barriers between fine art and commercial culture. He coined the term 'Superflat' to define his vibrant, boundary-blurring aesthetic, reflecting both traditional Japanese art and the complexities of post-war Japanese society. Murakami's influential works have captivated audiences worldwide, gracing the halls of prestigious institutions like the Guggenheim Bilbao, MoCA Los Angeles, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.