# Colored Skeletal Artwork Takashi Murakami's New Work Shows his Dark Side By Christina Butty | Published 2009-10-19 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/takashi-murakami References: [hypebeast](http://hypebeast.com/2009/10/takashi-murakami-picture-blessed-lion-stares-death-painting/) & [blog.theartcollectors](http://blog.theartcollectors.com/2009/10/19/last-chance-murakamis-picture-of-the-blessed-lion/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss) [Takashi Murakami](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/collab-with-takashi-murakami) is typically known for his [manga-esque, cutesy art pieces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/louis-vuitton-and-murakami). At his new exhibition at the Gagosian gallery in New York titled, “Picture of Fate: I Am But A Fisherman Who Angles in the Darkness of his Mind,” Murakami’s work took on a more macabre twist. His feature work in the exhibition is a large piece that combines several aspects of his [superflat style](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/superflat-animation) called, “A Picture Of The Blessed Lion Who Stares At Death” which -- though brightly colored -- does contain an array of skulls. Though some of his work is a bit dark, this piece is certainly darker than his usual pieces. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.8/10 - Popularity: 14% | Activity: 93% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Modern](https://www.trendhunter.com/modern) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Dark Art:** Exploring the trend of artists creating dark and macabre art in contrast to their usual style. - **Superflat Style:** Examining the trend of artists incorporating elements of the superflat art movement in their work. - **Contrasting Themes:** Highlighting the trend of artists juxtaposing bright colors with dark and unsettling imagery in their artwork. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Art Galleries:** Identifying the potential for art galleries to curate exhibitions focusing on dark and macabre art to attract audiences. - **Contemporary Art:** Exploring how the contemporary art industry can adapt and embrace the incorporation of contrasting themes in artworks. - **Art Market:** Identifying an opportunity for art dealers and collectors to invest in and promote artworks that combine elements of the superflat style with contrasting themes. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Limited-Edition Artist-Honoring Tees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/takashi-murakami-tee.md) - [Destructive Nature Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/keita-miyazaki.md) - [Regional Art Debuts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-gallery-in-the-uae.md) - [Playful Pop Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/louis-vuitton-octopus.md) - [Collaborative Monochromatic Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/collaborative-monochromatic-art-exhibition.md) - [Bi-Culture-Inspired Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bicultureinspired-art-exhibition.md) - [Whimsical Artist-Designed Handbags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/artycapucines-vii.md) - [Monochromatic Ghost Character Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/monochromatic-ghost-character-sculptures.md) - [Otherwordly Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/william-monk.md)