Murakami’s weirdly lovable, lovably weird monsters come to life in his ambitious directorial debut.
Admission free with Murakami: Monsterized ticket
“In this vast universe, we encounter one another miraculously…” So begins the opening narration of Takashi Murakami’s first feature film, “Jellyfish Eyes,” a must-see for Murakami fans and anyone interested in the more unusual corners of Japanese pop culture. Like his epic, colorful paintings and sculptures, Murakami’s directorial debut defies easy categorization: it is equal parts special effects-driven B-horror film, snuggly coming-of-age drama, slapstick comedy, and vehicle for pointed social commentary.
Released in 2013 in the wake of the Fukushima nuclear crisis, Murakami’s “playful, Pokémon-esque, live-action-meets-animation children’s movie” (Vogue) centers on young children battling sinister scientists with the aid of CGI-animated, supernatural companions called “F.R.I.E.N.D.s.” Those who have already attended Murakami: Monsterized will recognize these creatures from the wall of character sculptures featured in the exhibition. (Haven’t met them yet? Visit the Yang Yamazaki Pavilion before the screening to see the F.R.I.E.N.D.s in person and try your hand at a monster scavenger hunt; guide materials are available at the gallery entrance.) Murakami lovers will also note a cameo by the voluptuous animated character Ko2, a parody of female stereotypes in manga and anime who has appeared in numerous Murakami artworks since the late 1990s.
January 4, 2024 6–8 PM
January 5, 2024 3–5 PM
January 6, 2024 10 AM–12 PM & 2:30–4:30 PM
January 7, 2024 3–5 PM
January 8, 2024 3–5 PM
January 11, 2024 3:30–5:30 PM
Runtime: 1 hr 41 min.
We’ve specially outfitted Koret Education Center to create a festive environment for this screening; admission is included with your ticket to Murakami: Monsterized.
Please note: this film contains scenes of violence and bullying. Recommended for ages 13+.
Takashi Murakami: Unfamiliar People — Swelling of Monsterized Human Ego is organized by the Asian Art Museum. Presentation is made possible with the generous support of Kenneth C. Griffin and The Bernard Osher Foundation. Additional support is provided by Neiman Marcus, Sakana Foundation, and the W.L.S Spencer Foundation.
Sustained support generously provided by the Akiko Yamazaki and Jerry Yang Endowment Fund for Exhibitions and the Kao/Williams Contemporary Art Exhibitions Fund.
