Murakami Brings His Delightfully Weird 'Jellyfish Eyes' To The MCA

By Rob Christopher in Arts & Entertainment on May 13, 2014 3:00PM

Takashi Murakami has created some of the most peculiar, wonderful art we've ever seen. A Japanese kinsman to Jeff Koons, his work ranges from vast, eye-popping visual landscapes to bizarre NSFW sculpture. He's probably best known for his Kanye West music video "Good Morning." On May 25 he brings his first feature film to the MCA in person for a special screening.

The synopsis provided by the MCA for Jellyfish Eyes scarcely needs embellishment: "After returning home from his new elementary school one day, Masashi discovers a flying jellyfish-like creature whom he befriends and names Kurage-bo. Masashi soon discovers that all of his classmates have similarly magical pets, known as F.R.I.E.N.D.s, which are controlled by electronic devices that the children use to battle one another. Despite their playful appearances, however, these F.R.I.E.N.D.s turn out to be part of a sinister plot that will threaten the entire town." In short, expect gooey monsters and multi-eyeballed aliens.

It's not surprising that's he's finally made the leap to filmmaking, only perhaps that it's taken him this long. We're especially excited to see how his creations come to life in live action form since so much of his previous work has playfully used anime as a template. The fact that he'll be at the MCA in person makes this even more of a can't-miss event.

Tickets are $6-10. The Museum of Contemporary Art is located at 220 E. Chicago Ave.