Solo show in Versailles
“For a Japanese like me, the Château de Versailles is one of the greatest symbols of Western history. It is the emblem of an ambition for elegance, sophistication and art that most of us can only dream of.
Of course, we are aware that the spark that set fire to the powder of the Revolution came directly from the centre of the building.
But, in many respects, everything is transmitted to us as a fantastic tale coming from a very distant kingdom. Just as French people can find it hard to recreate in their minds an accurate image of the Samurai period, the history of this palace has become diminished for us in reality.
So it is probable that the Versailles of my imagination corresponds to an exaggeration and a transformation in my mind so that it has become a kind of completely separate and unreal world. That is what I have tried to depict in this exhibition.
I am the Cheshire cat that welcomes Alice in Wonderland with its diabolic smile, and chatters away as she wanders around the Château.
With a broad smile I invite you all to discover the wonderland of Versailles.”
Takashi Murakami
Images : Takashi MURAKAMI Oval Buddha Silver 2008, Argent - 136.5 x 80.5 x 78 cm - Courtesy Blum & Poe, Los Angeles © 2008 Takashi Murakami/Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. Château de Versailles/Salon de l’Abondance © Florian Kleinefenn.
Takashi MURAKAMI - Tongari-Kun 2003 - 2004, Fibre de verre, acier et huile, acrylique et peinture uréthane - 700 x 350 cm © 2003 - 2004 Takashi Murakami/Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All right reserved. Photo: Florian Kleinefenn - Salon d'Hercule / Château de Versailles
Image:
Takashi MURAKAMI - Flower Matango (d) - 2001 - 2006 FRP, peinture à l'huile, acrylique et métal - 315 x 204,7 x 263 cm ©2001 - 2006 Takashi Murakami/Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All right reserved. Photo: Florian Kleinefenn - Galerie des Glaces / Château de Versailles
Opening september 14th
Chateau de Versailles
Place d'Armes - Versailles
From 1 April to 31 october
Every day except Mondays
9 am – 6.30 last admission: 6 pm
From 1 November to 31 March
Every day except Mondays
9 am – 5.30 pm last admission: 5.pm