Holy Takashi Murakami! The superartist is making headlines again. With the earth barely settled following his amazing Great Tōhoku Earthquake-inspired show at Gagosian Gallery, In the Land of the Dead, Stepping on the Tail of a Rainbow, the Japanese artist is making waves not only in the art world, but also in fashion and film.

Art Basel in Basel 2015 | Film | Takashi Murakami
Jellyfish Eyes, 2013 | Blum and Poe

If you follow Murakami on Instagram, you’re aware of his jet-setting, envy-inducing adventures. Last week, he was in Switzerland for Art Basel where his directorial debut Jellyfish Eyes opened the show’s film program and his ensō paintings were hot commodities in Galerie Perrotin’s booth. Reportedly, Perrotin also hosted a 200-person dinner for the artist on boat.

After Basel, Murakami had business to attend to in Ibiza. He opened a massive multi-venue solo show that features paintings, sculptures and film screenings. Among the works on view are his abstract Kōrin paintings, his large-scale demon sculptures, and his colossal Oval Buddha (2007). The occasion was celebrated with an elaborate party at HEART, a hot new restaurant/nightlife/performance space from Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberte and the Adrià brothers. Murakami then journeyed to the South of France where he flew in a helicopter and enjoyed wine and cheese.

Photo courtesy of Vans Vault

The artist next popped up in Paris for Men’s Fashion Week and the launch of his Vans project. The artist teamed with the lifestyle brand for the Fall 2015 season of Vault by Vans. Two of Murakami’s reoccurring motifs, the smiling flower and skull patterns, are being featured on Vans’ classic slip-ons, as well as t-shirts and skateboards. Murakami and friends celebrated the project on Saturday. Perrotin set up an elaborate installation complete with carnival games, and a special performance by Ghostpoet. The limited edition collection is now available in stores. In New York, it can be found at The Vans DQM General (7 East 3rd Street, New York, NY 10003), Barney’s (660 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10065), Dover Street Market (160 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10016), and both Opening Ceremony locations. A compete list of dealers can be found at the Vans website.

Also, it was announced that the pop artist’s Jellyfish Eyes was picked up for theatrical distribution by Janus Films. The post-Fukushima fantasy opens in New York City at the IFC Center on July 15 and Murakami will be in town to celebrate. He’s doing a Q&A following the 7pm show and tickets are on sale now. A day prior, on July 14, he’s hosting a “Movie Night” screening of Michael Mann’s 1981 neo(n)-noir Thief. Tickets are also on sale for this special event. Additionally, there’s a free way to see Jellyfish Eyes in New York. Videology is doing a special sneak preview of the film on Monday, July 13. You can reserve your free tickets here.  

A national release of Jellyfish Eyes is also in the works. However, those unable to catch it in the theater can view it starting July 15 on iTunes, Amazon Instant Video, Vudu and Youtube/Google Play.

Detail of Arhat Painting (Working Title), 2012
(c)2012 Takashi Murakami/Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Photo by Chika Okazumi

Murakami closes out the year with a large solo show in Japan. Organized by the Mori Art Museum, The 500 Arhats, which takes its name from the artists epic painting featuring the 500 enlightened followers of Buddha, focuses on recent works the artist made in response to the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. Through the exhibit, the museum seeks to examine “the role art and religion play when facing social turmoil and human mortality.” It opens October 31, 2015 and runs through March 6, 2016.

You’ll find the trailer for Jellyfish Eyes below as well as a visuals from his Vault by Vans collection, and a teaser for his upcoming art show in Japan.