Loving This: Murakami Takes Versailles

[via Flavorwire] Following on the heels of celebrated exhibitions by Jeff Koons and Xavier Veilhan, Japanese Pop artistTakashi Murakami is taking the Château of Versailles by storm with a show of manga-inspired sculptures opening today. Grandiose in scope and scale and seductive in the masterful use of materials, Murakami’s comical cast of characters is perfectly matched with the rooms and gardens of Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette’s ornate palace.

Although not everyone is happy to see the controversial artist’s work displayed in the French national treasure, particularly the country’s conservatives, Murakami seems thrilled with the historical mash-up. “I am The Cheshire Cat who greets Alice in Wonderland with his devilish grin, and chatters on as she wanders around the Château,” says the artist, in reference to one of his works on view. And then, sounding a bit like Walt Disney hyping his amusement park in a 1960s commercial, he adds, “With my playful smile, I invite you all to the Wonderland of Versailles.”

Twenty-two works by Murakami, of which eleven are new, are spread out over 15 rooms of the estate, as well as its glorious grounds. “Contemporary artistic creation allows another perception of this living, ever-changing monument,” states Laurent Le Bon, the director of the Centre Pompidou-Metz and curator of the exhibition, who sees the show as “a new labyrinth of Versailles, that has the purpose of both distracting and entertaining the viewer.”

Murakami-Versailles is on view at the Château of Versailles, outside of Paris, through December 12.

Takashi Murakami, Flower Matango, 2001-2006. Fiberglass, iron, oil paint and acrylic, 315 x 204,7 x 263 cm / 10,33 x 6,7 x 8,63 feet ©2001-2006 Takashi Murakami/Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Photo : Cedric Delsaux - The Hall of Mirrors / Château de Versailles

Takashi Murakami - Tongari-Kun 2003 - 2004, Fibre de verre, acier et huile, acrylique et peinture uréthane - 700 x 350 cm © 2003 - 2004 Takashi Murakami/Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All right reserved. Photo: Florian Kleinefenn - Salon d'Hercule / Château de Versailles

Takashi Murakami, J, 2010. Aluminium and gold leaf, 104 x 80 x 90 cm / 3,41 x 2,62 x 2,95 feet ©2010 Takashi Murakami/Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Photo : Cedric Delsaux - The Queen’s Guards Room / Château de Versailles

Takashi Murakami, The Emperor’s New Clothes, 2005. Fiberglass, resin, iron, wood, fabrics, oil paint, acrylic and lacquer, 189 x 109 x 102 cm / 6,23 x 3,14 x 1,50 feet ©2005 Takashi Murakami/Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Photo : Cedric Delsaux - The Coronation Room/ Château de Versailles

Takashi Murakami, Yume Lion (The Dream Lion), 2009 -2010. Aluminum and gold leaf, 191 x 127 x 110 cm / 6,3 feet x 50 ½ inches x 43 ¼ inches ©2009-2010 Takashi Murakami/Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Photo : Cedric Delsaux - The Apollo Salon / Château de Versailles

Takashi Murakami, Oval Buddha, 2007-2010. Bronze and gold leaf, 568 x 312 x 319 cm / 18,6 x 10,46 x 10,21 feet ©2007-2010 Takashi Murakami/Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Photo : Cedric Delsaux - Water Parterre / Château de Versailles

Don't Fret: My Top 6 Trends for Fall to Guide Your Way

1. Chunky Knits - Go with large cable knits or just big/chunky cardigans, check out what Prada, right, and what Ferragamo did at left for inspiration. It's far too hot to be into this right now. Alas, maybe soon.






















2. Leopard Anything - {See how to buy a good leopard print bag here} If you aren't a bag lady get a silk shirt with a good leopard print or a scarf, check out Dries Van Noten, left, or  iconic Mulberry, right.

3. The New Minimalism - Go with single or neutral tones - think grey, black and white, or camel (as in Stella McCartney) which leads me to...

4. Camel - This looks is classic American (think that's why Tommy Hilfiger- yup, you read that correctly- is currently relevant again), this one is my absolute favorite trends of the season along with leopard (don't forget the denim shirt- still so hot right now). Read more on how obsessed I am about camel here. 

5. Shearling/Anything Fur - Not so practical here in Texas, but elsewhere this look can really work. Ski trip anyone? Its all about the Burberry bomber jacket by Chris Bailey; Michael Kors also made a big, fury splash this season (paired with grey pants which is such a hot color for fall). The good news for those of you who live in the appropriate climate: fake fur is nice and you can't tell the difference. So, if you are humane or broke- just do it.

6. Maxi Skirts - I love this look. The proportions are great and it feels so good to play up the length of the legs. Make sure to belt the waste so you have some accentuation of your curves. Trust me. Check out Ferragamo, left and Michael Kors, right.


So, get out there and support the economy! Happy shopping within your means, ha ha.