Takashi Murakami's First Australian Retrospective to Open in Sydney in 2026

On 5 December 2026, the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney will unveil 'Takashi Murakami: When the Mountain is High, the Moon Rises Higher,' marking the artist's inaugural retrospective in Australia. This exhibition, part of the Sydney International Art Series 2026–27, will turn the gallery into a vast display of Murakami's colorful world, showcasing his iconic giant smiling flowers, whimsical anime figures, and nods to Japanese art history. The exhibition's title draws inspiration from a 17th-century calligraphy piece by Kanō Tan'yū in the gallery's collection, symbolizing Murakami's desire to illuminate past eras through contemporary experiences. It promises to examine the links between art, history, fantasy, commerce, and collaboration, representing a pivotal moment for contemporary art in Australia.