Takashi Murakami also doesn't create everything from scratch, does he...?

Yesterday, I visited Takashi Murakami's 'Mononoke Kyoto' exhibition. Murakami's works are pop and anime-inspired, so personally, I had a fulfilling time. Since it was a holiday, there were quite a lot visitors, especially foreigners, which surprised me. Perhaps it's the combination of Kyoto's location and the brand of Takashi Murakami that attracts them. For those who haven't seen it yet, I highly recommend it.

DJ skills are important

I think this applies to other artists besides Mr. Murakami as well, but there is always a client. Because there are investors, they enable to hold solo exhibitions and create artworks.
Therefore, artists may have to reflect the statements of the clients and galleries, and incorporate opinions from trusted individuals. In fact, there were comments from the artist himself that seemed to have been influenced by advice from others.
Additionally, works such as 'Rakuchu Rakugai Zu' and paintings by Ogata Korin were recreated in Murakami's own style. In other words, it may not be just about creating works from scratch. It could be about synthesizing and embodying combinations of various elements. The outcome of these DJ skills is the artwork or a form of service.
Furthermore, by 'Murakami-nizing' the ideas that come his way, he creates value. Similar to Sen no Rikyu in the way of tea, Murakami himself has become a brand. And through his interactions, value is added.

Bye!