Murakami & Abloh: Future History, Gagosian

Few collaborations have been as hyped as this this one at Gagosian Gallery, London: Virgil Abloh, the artistic chameleon who’s a qualified architect and fashion darling, meets Takashi Murakami, the Japanese artist famous for blurring high and low art in his mixed media work. Together they have created a formidable series of work which blends their trademark styles.

Both artists are masters of metamorphosis. Murakami’s work draws from sources as wide-ranging as traditional Japanese painting, film and hip-hop. His fusion of elements that seem worlds apart has made him a household name ­– his work has been exhibited all over the globe, from Versailles to LA, and comes in many shapes, sizes and styles.

The ambidextrous Abloh has tried his hand at everything from furniture design to fashion. While he is most famous for his street-couture label Off-White, which turned tracksuits and high-tops into high fashion, he’s also a core part of Kanye West’s design team.

Binding them together is a rebellious creative vision shaped by the world around them. Opening during LFW AW18, Future History presents a mix-match of their artistic styles. Expect to find free-wheeling, punkish mash-ups, reflecting the world of culture today: think logos and graffiti mixed with Murakami's iconic anime characters. Lots of the work is ironic ­– disruption is its goal. Look out for Glance Past the Future where the 1623 self-portrait of Italian master-sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini is transformed into a graphic street poster.

This art is looking forward – an exhibition to take in whilst waltzing around Mayfair.