Releases: “Murakami Versailles” Book

Much like Jeff Koons, who in 2008 was the first artist granted the honor of exhibiting in the royal French chateau, a book is set to release chronicling Takashi Murakami’s recent efforts to reinvent the home decor of the historic Palace of Versailles (covered). Ranking as the 39th most powerful art figure by Art Review, the Japanese pop art sensation had an impressive year, continuing his partnership Louis Vuitton, exhibiting with Gagosian in Rome, participating in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and even “collaborating” with Brittney Spears on a Richard Prince photographed cover of Pop magazine. The crowning jewel, however, was his jawdropping 15-room installation of elaborate, colorful sculptural works within the halls of the Chateau de Versailles, providing a compelling study in whimsical interior decoration.

Published by Xavier Barral, Murakami Versailles provides an intimate look inside the anime and manga infused modern makeover brilliantly juxtaposed against the old world architecture of the hallowed Palace. The book doesn’t appear ready to ship yet, but is available for preorder here.

Check out a couple page samples, along with an extensive selection of exhibition photos to give you a sense of the experience, after the jump.