Prof. Wong & Takashi Murakami

7/5/18

Prof. Wong and his wife recently visited the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. He reflected upon their experience with the artwork of Takashi Murakami, a Japanese contemporary artist known for blurring the line between high and low art.

“One of the art works of Takashi Murakami reminded me of how people desperately need the Good News of Jesus Christ. Murakami himself felt that there was no way one can actually achieve “nirvana” and so, his depiction of these Buddhist monks in such states looked not at peace, but in a spiritual state of chaos. Murakami I doubt was a Christian, but I did notice the demons in the background of his pieces. They were always bigger in size when compared to the monks, and had instruments that appeared to somehow persuade or put these monks under their influence and power. I’m just reminded that Jesus is the only Way, the Truth, and the Life. One can never “ascend” upward with one’s own strength or power. I am also reminded that there are demonic forces at work in this world. Even unbelievers see their power at work. Sadly as a Christian, I am often blind to that.”