Doraemon; Here We Go! 2018

Editor: So, this print is "Doraemon; Here We Go!" by Takashi Murakami, from 2018. It's visually so vibrant, packed with imagery! I’m curious, what are your thoughts on how Murakami uses materiality to convey meaning here? Curator: Considering a materialist lens, it's crucial to acknowledge the reproductive aspect of printmaking in "Doraemon; Here We Go!". The print, using acrylic paint, immediately removes the aura of uniqueness. Note how it embraces accessible imagery from mass media; the very process comments on consumer culture. Doesn’t the utilization of such materials challenge the established boundaries between fine art and commodity? Editor: That's a fascinating point! I hadn't really thought about the choice of print itself as a statement. It makes sense though, since it directly involves reproducibility, unlike painting, for instance. Curator: Precisely! Also, observe the almost industrial precision in his technique. Despite being "handmade," his works utilize industrial strategies, thus minimizing direct input. The layering, how controlled, it presents, challenges traditional definitions of the artist's hand. To what extent is it still handmade art, if we focus solely on production means? Editor: I guess it highlights the artistic idea and its mechanical reproduction being almost of equal significance... rather than necessarily the 'touch' of the artist. Thinking about it now, Murakami also made sure these prints are accessible in galleries worldwide... Curator: Precisely. That reinforces the artwork's context of consumption. Instead of mere aesthetic enjoyment, its real message lies in highlighting how art is also an economic venture involving materiality. Editor: So interesting! I see how a seemingly straightforward image carries intricate ideas about production. Thank you for your perspective!