Message from judilee

Hey Sarah,

I went to the Murakami exhibit and thoroughly enjoyed it. I am no modern art aficionado, in fact I guess I don't really "get" modern art, but I thought Murakami's works were pretty accessible. There was a definite cuteness factor, with all the crazy flowers and bright colors. (So kawaii!) I was also interested in the Louis Vitton boutique. Of course, I couldn't buy anything, but I liked looking at all the different versions of the Louis Vitton bag that Murakami made. I only knew about the version with the white bag with colorful letters, but there was so much more.

There was some adult content (naked women and men, but in a cartoonish way). I read a review in the LA Times that described it as eating a whole box of Sees' Candy in one sitting, and I think the description's apt. Going to the exhibit reminded me of my younger days when I was obsessed with Hello Kitty and cute girly things. I was just laughing and smiling throughout the whole exhibit.

My one gripe: the museum store was way too expensive, even by museum standards. They don't have any posters, only lithographs, and one little pin was around $5. I suppose this is because Murakami has all his merchandise copyrighted or something like that.

If you go on Thursdays from 5-8, admission is free.