What: Party with Murakami
Where: The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth
The 411: The Modern got funky after dark to celebrate the opening of its blockbuster summer exhibition, "Takashi Murakami: The Octopus Eats its Own Leg." Tickets to the 10 pm party gained rare, night-owl access to the exhibition galleries, cocktails, and dessert, plus the first chance to purchase limited-edition Murakami merchandise.
The apanese artist, Takashi Murakami, was the star of the event and got into the spirit with guest performers, hip-hop dancers the Jabbawockeez. Award-winning DJ A-Trak kept the beats going, as did DJ Sober.
After midnight, guests continued the fun at nearby speakeasy Ampersand for the official after-party.
Murakami's collaborations with the likes of musicians Pharrell Williams, Kanye West, and Kid Cudi have helped him earn the title of the "Japanese Andy Warhol." The Modern's exhibition, on now through September 16, showcases more than three decades of his paintings, from his earliest mature works to his most recent, never-before-seen paintings.
In its first few weeks, the exhibition — which has taken over the entire museum — has attracted patrons from far and wide, prompting a summer of "Murakami mania" in Fort Worth.
Who: Will Grella, Sarah Grella, William Campbell, Steve Hudgens, Pam Campbell, Suzie Hudgens, Libby Tilley, Mike Lopez, Holland Sanders, Eric Vickers, Jonathan Morris, Ashley Jensen, Aimee Cardoso, and Lucas Cardoso.
Takashi Murakami dances with friends.
Maestro Robert Spano leads the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra on opening night at Bass Hall.Photo by Randal Vanderveer
