Murakami exhibit becomes most popular MCA exhibit in history

Pop art reigns supreme.

The Museum of Contemporary Art today announced that “Takashi Murakami: The Octopus Eats Its Own Leg” exhibit has officially surpassed “David Bowie Is” as the most popular in the history of the museum. The Murakami exhibit surpassed the Bowie record-setting attendance of 193,000 patrons, and will be on display through Sept. 24.

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Murakami is a pop art icon, whose inspiration is notably drawn from Japanese animation and comic books. His collaborations include works with Kanye West (the album cover for “Graduation”) and until recently Louis Vuitton (a series of high-end bags). The exhibit features 50 of his works spanning 30 years. In contrast, the interactive Bowie exhibit featured nearly 400 objects, culled from the singer’s extensive archives of musical instruments, fashion, photographs and handwritten lyrics and set lists.

“The lines [for Murakami] are snaking through the building, but visitors are talking about how quickly they move,” said Pat Fraser, director of visitor experience at the MCA. “While in line, everyone is on their phones scrolling through Murakami’s Instagram feed and posting the Facebook filters created for the show. Or they jump out of line to take selfies, which is easy because the huge octopus tentacle designs cascade down the lobby walls and windows making a perfect backdrop. This immersive exhibition was made for selfies.”

For tickets to the Murakami exhibit, visit mcachicago.org.