Celebrated Japanese contemporary artist Takashi Murakami, is launching the latest “Melting DOB” collectible figure, in collaboration with international art gallery Perrotin. Raffle sign-up will open from January 23 to 27, for the lucky 300 individuals to take home the limited-edition painted cast vinyl figure. Interested collectors should keep tabs on Perrotin Store and BELOWGROUND’s Instagram accounts for more details.
“Melting DOB” figure | HK$16,800 (US$2,167)
Melting DOB, 2021 ©Takashi Murakami/Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Courtesy Perrotin
This year celebrates the 28th anniversary of the original Mr. DOB, Murakami’s first signature character. “Melting DOB” elevates the fun factor with swirls of red and blue under white rings that spell the iconic character’s name in a contorted fashion.
On one side, carnivorous fangs and polychromatic eyes in haphazard states conjure a maniacal appearance. On the other, half-lidded eyes and a roguish grin reveal a prankish face. The dual-personality figure, in a limited edition of 300, was made in Japan by Kaikai Kiki Co. Ltd.
“Melting DOB” figure (back)
Melting DOB, 2021 ©Takashi Murakami/Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Courtesy Perrotin
“Melting DOB” figure (detail)
Melting DOB, 2021 ©Takashi Murakami/Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Courtesy Perrotin
The original Mr. DOB, which came to life in 1993, was Murakami’s take to introduce Japanese contemporary art to the international stage. The name Mr. DOB is a derivative of "Dobojite" - a Japanese slang for "why," and it is inspired by popular cultural figures of both anime (cartoons) and manga (comics), such as Mickey Mouse, Doraemon, and Sonic the Hedgehog.
Takashi Murakami (B. 1962)
Mr. DOB has become one the most enduring mascots for the artist, evolving across his oeuvre into a myriad of forms, ranging from paintings and merchandises, to sculptures and installations. Mr. DOB’s flashing toothy grins and winking eyes give an universal appeal to the iconic character, and make it a morphing alter ego of the artist.
Clusters of sunflowers with rainbow petals and smiley faces make another signature design for the artist. Both of the iconic motifs were often seen in collaborations such as the ones with street culture labels Off-White, Supreme, and French fashion house Louis Vuitton.
Murakami’s 2018 collaboration with Off-White’s founder Virgil Abloh (left)
Murakami’s collaboration with Louis Vuitton, debuted in 2003
Melting DOB, 2021 ©Takashi Murakami/Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Courtesy Perrotin
“Melting DOB” figure | HK$16,800 (US$2,167)
Medium: Painted cast vinyl with metallic disk stand
Dimensions: 25.3 x 31.5 x 18.1 cm, including stand
Edition: 300
Collection from Perrotin pop-up store in Landmark Hong Kong from January 28 to 31. Local and international shipping available at an additional cost.
Stay tuned on Perrotin Store and BELOWGROUND's Instagram (@perrotinstore and @belowground.hk) for more details of the raffle.