The commodification of the contemporary artist and high-profile solo exhibition: The case of Takashi Murakami

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

This chapter aims to analyze the political economy of artists who occupy a high position in the contemporary art canon in the 21st century, with particular attention to the effect of the global condition through the case study of the Japanese artist Takashi Murakami. My argument is that whereas the second half of the 20th century marked the increasing commodification of works of art, the 21st century commodifies the art exhibition as a whole and ultimately the artist in the canon. Using the example of Murakami, I will demonstrate how the contingencies between his works and the market are extended to the geopolitical conditions: Murakami’s canonization not only leans on economic forces outside the museum but is also harnessed by governments and private institutions for the promotion of their political and economic interests. A main issue that will rise from my discussion will involve the new role of museums in the contemporary situation as instruments in the process of commodification of high-profile exhibitions.
Original languageAmerican English
Title of host publicationRe-envisioning the Contemporary Art Canon
Subtitle of host publicationPerspectives in a Global World
PublisherTaylor and Francis Inc.
Pages239-251
Number of pages13
ISBN (Electronic)9781315639772
ISBN (Print)9781138192683
DOIs
StatePublished - 8 Dec 2016

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Arts and Humanities

Cite this