Six of Takashi Murakami's prints are going to be sold in return for charitable donations that will be invested in supporting the Black Lives Matter movement. Taking into consideration the artist's long history of activism, this really comes as no surprise. Murakami released a statement in response to the global protests, saying that "the role of an artist is to discern the present and express it for the future audience." All proceeds from the sale will go toward Black Lives Matter, Equal Justice Initiative, and Color of Change.
In order to fit the aesthetic of the moment, the new, limited-edition prints will stray away from the artist's iconic multi-chromatic palette. Instead, the familiar flowers and signature skull characters will be depicted in a monochrome style.
Takashi Murakami's prints will be made available to individuals in July via the NTWRK app.
Charitable Limited Edition Prints
Takashi Murakami's Prints are Expected to Hit $1 Million for BLM
Trend Themes
1. Limited Edition Charitable Prints - The trend of artists creating limited edition prints to raise funds for charitable causes presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for the art industry.
2. Supporting Social Movements - The trend of businesses and artists supporting social movements like Black Lives Matter through charitable donations has the potential to disrupt traditional philanthropic models.
3. Monochrome Artistic Expression - The trend of artists exploring monochrome styles as a departure from their iconic palettes opens up opportunities for creative experimentation and audience engagement.
Industry Implications
1. Art - The art industry can leverage the trend of limited edition charitable prints to engage with a wider audience and contribute to social causes.
2. Philanthropy - The philanthropy sector can embrace the trend of businesses and artists supporting social movements through donations, creating new models of impact and engagement.
3. Technology - The technology industry can harness the trend of selling limited edition prints through mobile apps like NTWRK, revolutionizing the way art is accessible and purchased.