Blue Velvet 2016

"Blue Velvet" (2016) is a vibrant and playful work by Japanese contemporary artist Takashi Murakami. The piece features his signature "Smiling Flower" motif, a cartoonish representation of a flower with a cheerful face, in a range of colors including blue, yellow, pink, purple, and green. The flowers are arranged on a blue background with white polka dots, creating a sense of depth and movement. Murakami’s work is characterized by a blend of traditional Japanese art and pop culture, exploring themes of consumerism, mass media, and the relationship between art and commerce.