Murakami at Château Versaille

October 2010

This article was produced by leading international art advisory firm 1858 Ltd* who provide independent and impartial advice to HSBC Private Bank clients in all aspects of the collecting process in association with the HSBC Private Bank art and design advisory team.

*1858 is a third party company which is not owned by any HSBC entity and is not a member of the HSBC Group.

Two years ago, the Château de Versailles raised eyebrows by displaying the contemporary artworks of Jeff Koons. The controversy resulted in dramatically increased visitor numbers and encouraged Jean-Jacques Alliagnon, who now presides of the infamous 17^thcentury Château to host an annual contemporary art exhibition at Versailles.

This year's instalment opened on 14 September and runs through 12 December 2010. Versailles will exhibit the sensational artwork of Japanese born Pop-artist Takashi Murakami. Renowned for his wide-ranging body of work that consciously bridges fine art, design, animation and popular culture, Murakami is one of the most influential artists to have emerged from Asia in the late twentieth century. As extravagant as one would expect, 'Murakami Versailles' showcases a beautiful array of works including paintings and sculptures in an abundance of vivid colour.

Dominating the marbled and gold leaf chambers of Versailles, Murakami's acrylic and fibreglass sculptures create a slick contrast with their sophisticated Rococo surroundings. In the Château’s Salon des Nobles, a tapestry with the portrait of Louis XV hovers over Murakami’s fanged teeth creation, devouring a Pepsi can, a bottle of Heinz ketchup and a sneaker, all encrusted with diamonds and gems.

At 'Murakami Versailles' you will encounter a world where ancient patrimony coexists with contemporary art. As the Japanese artist explains, Château de Versailles is somewhat of a fantastic tale of a very distant kingdom. "The Versailles of my imagination corresponds to an exaggeration… of completely separate and unreal. That is what I have tried to depict in this exhibition. I am the Cheshire cat that welcomes Alice in Wonderland… With a broad smile I invite you all to discover the wonderland of Versailles."

Visit the Chateau Versailles website for more information about the exhibition by Takashi Murakami from 14 September to 12 December 2010.

To learn more about the HSBC PB Art & Design Advisory service, Murakami's artwork or the exhibition at Versailles please contact the dedicated helpdesk on:

T: + 44 207 692 4884
E: hsbcpb@1858ltd.com

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