New Artwork Collaboration from Murakami and Pharrell Sells for More than $2 Million in the first 20 Minutes of Art Basel.

Basel, Switzerland / June 11, 2009: In a clear indication that the high-end art market is alive and

well, “The Simple Things”—a one-of-a-kind work of art from Takashi Murakami and Pharrell

Williams—fetched more than $2 million at the prestigious Art Basel fair in Basel, Switzerland.

The sculpture sold within 20 minutes of the show’s opening and has now become a must-see

for visiting art aficionados.

“The Simple Things” is the fruit of a collaboration between Takashi Murakami and Pharrell

Williams. Together, the leader of the Japonism movement, artist, animation movies author and

man-in-charge of the Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd, along with the Grammy-winning musician, producer

and designer, offer a new perspective on a collection of ‘ordinary objects’. Takashi Murakami

has created a new sculpture using his trademark character: “Mr DOB,” having taken too many

magic mushrooms, this saucer-eyed monster reveals a sharp set of teeth. His wide-open mouth

seems to protect Pharrell Williams' seven favourite objects that rest inside. The entire universe

of Pharrell Williams unfolds in front of us acting like so many of Proust's madeleines. A bottle of

ketchup, a bag of Doritos, a condom wrapper, an Ice Cream sneaker, a bottle of Johnson's baby

lotion, a can of Pepsi and a Magnolia Bakery cupcake.

Created in collaboration with famed jeweler Jacob & Co., Pharrell’s objects took more than two

years to complete and exemplify the highest level of craftsmanship and artistry. They are

meticulously handcrafted in 18K gold (white, yellow and rose) and set with more than 26,000

diamonds, rubies, emeralds and sapphires, some featuring hand-painted enamel, and others

with actual functioning elements that further add to the life-like representation. “Each of these

pieces is a unique work of art and a tribute to ‘extra-ordinary’ expression,” states Jacob & Co.

Marketing Director, Denise Scala. “Pharrell is a long-time friend of Jacob & Co., it was a

privilege to collaborate with him and bring his dream to reality.”

Within pop culture, Pharrell Williams is a legend. His contributions to music and fashion have

set him apart from his peers as a globetrotting trendsetter. His years of exhuberance are behind

him and Williams is now focused on everyday objects-simple and precious-that provide him the

most enjoyment. This project was started in 2007, well before the financial crisis. "I wanted to

bring attention to the singularity and inventiness of their original designs. Just like we find

balance thanks to fundamental values, these pieces were born out of simplicity." says Williams.

"The simplest tings are the most essential to our lives and we are rarely pay attention to them

enough. Originally from Virginia and now lucky enough to travel the world. I always try to

rediscover the tastes, smells and memories of the first time the world revealed itself to me."

Takashi Murakami holds a PhD in traditional Japanese painting. “The meaning of the nonsense”

is the original foundation for his groundbreaking innovation. As an artist, Murakami questions

the lines drawn between East and West, past and present, fine art and popular culture. By

proposing the concept of “Superflat,” he interpreted modern Japanese culture as the state

where the line between high and low culture had been melted. “This collaboration has allowed

me to surpass my limits and to use my highest level of knowledge, patience and technical

innovation yet. The subject of this mysterious piece, as I created it, is a support on which to

place jewels. When we look at Pharrell’s objects we see that they are pieces that express the

essential, that which remains after stripping away their trappings of art objects, jewels and pop

culture icons. I try to express what it would be like to stuff these “Simple Things” into this mouth,

to illuminate them and contemplate them with feigned innocence. The result is this work of art.”

added Takashi Murakami. As a curator, Murakami challenges accepted notions of history and

culture. He is currently the subject of a large-scale retrospective installation now touring around

the world, through four museums in three countries.