PHARELL & MURAKAMI ARTWORK SELLS FOR MORE THAN $2 MILLION
By Stoic Magazine | June 12th, 2009 | Category: RANDOM | No Comments »In a clear indication that the high-end art market is alive and well, “The Simple Things” — a one-of-a-kind work of art from Takashi Murakami and Pharrell Williams — fetched more than $2 million at the prestigious Art Basel fair in Basel, Switzerland. The sculpture sold within 20 minutes of the show’s opening and has now become a must-see for visiting art aficionados.
“The Simple Things” is the fruit of a collaboration between Takashi Murakami and Pharrell Williams. Together, the leader of the Japonism movement, artist, animation movies author and man-in-charge of the Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd, along with the Grammy-winning musician, producer and designer, offer a new perspective on a collection of ‘ordinary objects’. Takashi Murakami has created a new sculpture using his trademark character: “Mr DOB,” having taken too many magic mushrooms, this saucer-eyed monster reveals a sharp set of teeth. His wide-open mouth seems to protect Pharrell Williams’ seven favourite objects that rest inside. The entire universe of Pharrell Williams unfolds in front of us acting like so many of Proust’s madeleines. A bottle of ketchup, a bag of Doritos, a condom wrapper, an Ice Cream sneaker, a bottle of Johnson’s baby lotion, a can of Pepsi and a Magnolia Bakery cupcake.
Created in collaboration with famed jeweler Jacob & Co., Pharrell’s objects took more than two years to complete and exemplify the highest level of craftsmanship and artistry. They are meticulously handcrafted in 18K gold (white, yellow and rose) and set with more than 26,000 diamonds, rubies, emeralds and sapphires, some featuring hand-painted enamel, and others with actual functioning elements that further add to the life-like representation. “Each of these pieces is a unique work of art and a tribute to ‘extra-ordinary’ expression,” states Jacob & Co. Marketing Director, Denise Scala. “Pharrell is a long-time friend of Jacob & Co., it was a privilege to collaborate with him and bring his dream to reality.”
Within pop culture, Pharrell Williams is a legend. His contributions to music and fashion have set him apart from his peers as a globetrotting trendsetter. His years of exuberance are behind him and Williams is now focused on everyday objects — simple and precious — that provide him the most enjoyment. This project was started in 2007, well before the financial crisis. “I wanted to bring attention to the singularity and inventiveness of their original designs. Just like we find balance thanks to fundamental values, these pieces were born out of simplicity.” says Williams. “The simplest tings are the most essential to our lives and we are rarely pay attention to them enough. Originally from Virginia and now lucky enough to travel the world. I always try to rediscover the tastes, smells and memories of the first time the world revealed itself to me.”
Takashi Murakami holds a Ph.D. in traditional Japanese painting. “The meaning of the nonsense” is the original foundation for his groundbreaking innovation. As an artist, Murakami questions the lines drawn between East and West, past and present, fine art and popular culture. By proposing the concept of “Superflat,” he interpreted modern Japanese culture as the state where the line between high and low culture had been melted. “This collaboration has allowed me to surpass my limits and to use my highest level of knowledge, patience and technical innovation yet. The subject of this mysterious piece, as I created it, is a support on which to place jewels. When we look at Pharrell’s objects we see that they are pieces that express the essential, that which remains after stripping away their trappings of art objects, jewels and pop culture icons. I try to express what it would be like to stuff these “Simple Things” into this mouth, to illuminate them and contemplate them with feigned innocence. The result is this work of art.” added Takashi Murakami. As a curator, Murakami challenges accepted notions of history and culture. He is currently the subject of a large-scale retrospective installation now touring around the world, through four museums in three countries.
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