We simply couldn't have let this week pass without an arts special, could we? Perhaps it's just the infectious energy percolating through the city right now as Art Basel and Art Central arrive, but I'm excited to share this issue with you.
Firstly, we have our cover – a unique piece crafted by Takashi Murakami. Actually, there are two covers. The Japanese artist has used original artworks from his 2024 exhibition "Hiroshige's 100 Famous Views of Edo (feat. Takashi Murakami)" at the Brooklyn Museum in New York. He intensified their iconic status with his signature prismatic figures.
Murakami is everywhere, we proclaim alongside these custom artworks on our cover, and I've been reminded of that truth continually since we typed it out. We've seen his bright, kaleidoscopic smiley-faced flower patches on a backpack bobbing down the street and a television special on his work flashing across the screen in our office. And that's only in the past 12 hours.
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I wouldn’t call it surprising news that he’s ubiquitous—some might say this has been the case for almost twenty years—but what impresses me isn't just Murakami's enduring presence, but also his remarkable persistence. Our magazine previously interviewed him back in 2012 during an appearance in town for his exhibit “Flowers & Skulls” at the Gagosian Gallery in Central. At that time, Fionnuala McHugh noted, "As soon as you begin observing, his eerily charming fungi, flora, and creatures seem omnipresent." Thirteen years later, despite all these years passing, his influence remains strong and shows no signs of waning; rather, he appears busier than ever before. It makes one wonder: Is it possible to occupy even more spaces than 'everywhere'? If so, then Murakami surely fits into such a category.
A pessimist may view him as overly commercial, yet I am impressed by Murakami’s generosity and eagerness to participate. Custom art for our cover? Absolutely! Why not have two instead? We should welcome such enthusiasm. This edition features an interview between the artist and Betty Richardson where they discuss his recent projects, including this year’s reissue of his coveted Louis Vuitton collaboration and the impact he aims to make.
With plenty to explore at Art Basel and Art Central, you might wonder where to begin. For a brief introduction, check out Gavin Yeung’s summary. Alternatively, delve into Karen Cheung’s insightful conversation with artist Chow Chun-fai and journalist Sharon Cheung Po-wah regarding Chow’s exhibition “Interview the Interviewer II,” currently featured at Art Basel. Through his work, Chow examines the role of being an artist from Hong Kong today.
Before his upcoming installation at Art Central, local artist Nadim Abbas welcomes Aaina Bhargava into his studio to share some preliminary insights. Meanwhile, at M+, Stephen McCarty explores the museum’s extensive “Picasso for Asia - A Conversation” exhibit, where Picasso’s works are presented alongside those of Asian artists in an innovative way. This fresh approach has certainly piqued my interest and added the show to my must-see list.
Our regular segments also feature artistic elements. In this edition, Peter Neville-Hadley takes us on an exhilarating tour through European art museums, offering respite amidst some of the continent’s busiest hotspots.
Nearby, Adele Brunner stops by an impressive Pok Fu Lam residence featuring a uniquely curated selection of artwork that adds exceptional charm to the interior. Designer resident Ella Bridgland discusses her strategy for selecting art pieces for homes—advice my place could greatly benefit from. Perhaps your abode might profit as well?
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