Contemplating Dark Matter 2014

Takashi Murakami made "Contemplating Dark Matter" using acrylic paint, and wow, it's like a playground of processes! The way he builds up these layers, it's not just about the image; it’s about the doing, the making. Take a look at that central figure, standing on what looks like a cosmic portal. The paint is so smooth and flat, almost like it's been printed, especially in contrast to the drips and splatters surrounding it. Those tiny dots and flowers, they seem almost digitally rendered, but then you see the hand in the way the paint catches the light. I can’t help but think about Warhol when I look at Murakami’s art. There's that same Pop sensibility, but with a twist, a darker edge maybe. It makes you wonder, what's hiding beneath the surface? Is it dark matter, or something even stranger?