Murakami’s artistic journey began at the Tokyo University of Arts, where he initially studied Nihonga, a traditional style of Japanese painting. However, he became frustrated with the conservative nature of the Japanese art world, which he felt was overly influenced by Western ideals. This led to the creation of “Superflat” — a concept that reflects both the two-dimensional quality of traditional Japanese art and the flat, commercial nature of modern consumerism. Through Superflat, Murakami elevated pop culture elements, such as anime and manga, into the realm of high art while critiquing the commercialisation of culture.
Kaikai and Kiki
Murakami’s exploration of duality is embodied by two of his most recognisable characters, Kaikai and Kiki. Kaikai, dressed in a white rabbit suit, is believed to symbolise innocence and purity, while Kiki, with a pink outfit and three eyes, represents mischief and rebellion. These opposing characters and personalities reflect Murakami’s belief in the balance between light and darkness, order and chaos.
The term “Kaikaikiki” is rooted in Japanese history, originally used to describe something simultaneously strange and brave. It also reflects Murakami’s artistic mission to challenge traditional boundaries and embrace contradiction. Kaikai and Kiki feature prominently in Murakami’s paintings, sculptures, and merchandise, merging art and commercial culture in a distinctly Murakami way. Outside of his craft, Murakami established Kaikai Kiki Co., an artist management company that aims to help young artists gain international exposure by curating exhibitions, helping to produce and sell merchandise.
Fit for Everyone: Superflat
Murakami’s ability to blend art with pop culture has resulted in partnerships with Louis Vuitton, which was originally introduced in 2002 with playful, colorful motifs and a second iteration most recently in 2025. Morevoer, his work with Kanye West on the album cover for Graduation cemented his place in pop culture history.
Pink River
One of Murakami’s standout pieces at Moco Museum Barcelona is Pink River (2015), an acrylic-on-canvas artwork that provides a mesmerising visual impression of the universe’s end. Presented in the exhibition ‘The Deep End of the Universe’ in 2018, this vibrant multi-panel painting features a kaleidoscopic array of characters, including mythical creatures and god-like animals, standing atop a pile of skulls.
Drawing from Japanese mythology and Buddhist iconography, Pink River merges fantastical elements with disturbing imagery, creating a visual explosion of color and symbolism. The Phoenix and Deer God of the Forest, among other motifs, evoke the duality of life and death, renewal and destruction. This piece exemplifies Murakami’s ability to merge traditional Japanese cultural references with contemporary artistic expressions, making it one of his most striking works.
Murakami’s Legacy
Murakami’s work at Moco Museum Barcelona encapsulates his lasting influence on contemporary art and global culture. By merging traditional Japanese techniques with modern pop culture, Murakami challenges the boundaries between high and low art, forcing audiences to reconsider the definition of artistic value.
Exhibiting artists include
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Practical Information
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Opening Hours
- Monday – Sunday: 10:00 – 20:00
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Duration
Approximately 90 minutes.
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Location
Carrer de Montcada 25, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona, Spain. Get directions here.
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Contact
Do you have a question? Click here to chat with us (available Monday-Friday from 10:00 – 12:00)
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Audio Guide
Audio guides are available for purchase online through the Moco Museum ticketshop or at the entrance in Barcelona.
Media Reviews
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Condé Nast TravelerBarcelona's Moco Museum is a riot–of colors, of styles, of pushing artistic boundaries. Mainly, of joy. -
The New Barcelona PostAn internationally successful museum arrives in Barcelona: the Moco Museum. -
TripAdvisorThe museum is well structured and organized, the works are interesting and, certainly, offers a different note than the usual Gaudi and Picasso etc. -
PR NewswireMoco echoes its commitment to exhibiting iconic works by internationally renowned artists and rising stars. For many visitors, Moco is an entry point into the world of art.
"We want to see the newest things. That is because we want to see the future, even if only momentarily. It is the moment in which, even if we don’t completely understand what we have glimpsed, we are nonetheless touched by it. This is what we have come to call art."