Takashi Murakami

Takashi Murakami is from *Japan*. Born in Tokyo in 1962, his work is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, blending traditional aesthetics like nihonga painting with modern influences from anime, manga, and kawaii. His round floral art, part of his "Superflat" aesthetic, reflects this fusion, drawing from Japan’s post-war pop culture and global consumerism. Takashi Murakami’s round floral art, often referred to as his "Flower" series, is one of his most iconic and recognizable motifs. These works feature vibrant, smiling cartoon-like flowers with round faces, typically arranged in dense, repeating patterns. The flowers embody Murakami’s “Superflat” aesthetic, blending the playful, cute (kawaii) elements of Japanese pop culture with deeper themes of consumerism, optimism, and existential ambiguity.

Dan Flanagan

Dan Flanagan, an accomplished painter born in 1983 in the vibrant city of Madison, Wisconsin, USA, pursued his artistic education with dedication at two prestigious institutions: the Kansas City Art Institute and the New York Studio School. Now based in the creative hub of Brooklyn, New York, where he both resides and maintains his studio, Flanagan continues to develop his craft. At the age of 34, he reflects on his lifelong passion for painting, which was first sparked during his childhood through the influential guidance of his aunt, Nancy Flanagan, who introduced him to the world of art and inspired his early creative explorations.