MARVELLOUS MR MURAKAMI

Far from reclusive, Takashi Murakami is the flamboyant star uniting the worlds of high and low art. Amidst the lockdown, the Japanese artist speaks to Megha Mahindru about creating Vogue India’s first-ever illustrated cover

- Megha Mahindru

Every country in lockdown has had a unique response to COVID-19. Italians serenaded their neighbours across balconies, Indians clanged pots and pans, Canadians applauded medical staff through the night and the Lebanese drone-delivered roses to mark Mother’s Day. In Japan, a curious creature became a social media sensation to fight the virus as artists started sharing their illustrations of the Amabie.

A benevolent spirit from Japanese folklore, the Amabie looks like a cross between a long-haired mermaid and an owl in a parakeet costume. The legend goes that seeing and sharing its photo can ward off infectious disease. It didn’t take long for the savvy Takashi Murakami to join this viral #amabiechallenge with his own interpretation of the mythic creature. “Amabie has become a popular yōkai [spirit] in Japan, and I am glad I could spread it to people abroad through my posts,” shares the artist over email.

CUTE YET CURRENT