Born in 1962, in Tokyo, Takashi Murakami is a multi-faceted artist, creating in paint, sculpture, and film. Murakami earned a BA, MFA, and PhD from Tokyo University of the Arts. Though he majored in the traditional Japanese art of nihonga, he ultimately became disillusioned with its limited scope and focused his talents in more contemporary and vibrant works.

Murakami has collaborated with a wide range of creators and industries across the world, including fashion brands Louis Vuitton, Issey Miyake, and Virgil Abloh as well as musicians Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, and Billie Eilish.

Known for blurring the line between "high art" and commercialism, Murakami continues to transcend any single form of "art". His works have sold for millions of dollars at notable auction houses Sotheby's, Phillips, and Christie's.