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Takashi Murakami: Tweet Art to Support Japan

The official website for Geisai, a semiannual art conference/exhibition, posted an English-language message from its chairman, contemporary artist Takashi Murakami, on its official blog.

In the message, Murakami expresseed regret that the 15th Geisai event has been postponed in the wake of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami. He then suggested that artists post art to Twitter in support of Japan in troubled times, attached with the hashtag #newday_GEISAI. He also pointed to submissions from Slam Dunk creator Takehiko Inoue (link) and animator Sushio (link) as examples.

Twitter users have gathered the entire collection, which includes art by Murakami himself, so far here.

In a bilingual (Japanese/English) follow-up post by Murakami, the organization reacted to criticism that the movement was pointless and that they should attach a fundraising element to the art. The response included the following statements:

If we look at it in terms of its practical value to society, art is in some ways the most meaningless of meaningless activities.

But then why, we must ask ourselves, has it continued to exist for so long? It is this point that that I would like you all to understand and share.

Murakami then continued to outline the purpose behind the project, which is to provide an outlet for the artists who would have participated in the postponed Geisai event.

[Via hyperallergic]

Image © Takashi Murakami