This artwork is part of Murakami’s And Then series, which revolves around Mr. DOB, a character that has become a recurring and evolving symbol in his body of work. Murakami's Superflat aesthetic—characterized by bold colors, flattened compositions, and an anime-inspired visual style—plays a significant role in this piece.

Mr. DOB’s Evolution: Initially designed as a playful, manga-inspired mascot, Mr. DOB has transformed over time, appearing more distorted and chaotic. This reflects Murakami’s critique of consumer culture, mass media, and Japan’s post-war identity.


Title Significance: The repeated phrase "And Then" suggests an ongoing, almost hypnotic cycle of repetition, possibly reflecting the never-ending nature of consumption, branding, and digital media influence. The subtitle Original Blue likely refers to this version’s color scheme, which could evoke themes of nostalgia, technology, or the digital age.


Superflat Theory: Murakami coined this term to describe his work, which flattens the distinction between high and low art while referencing historical Japanese prints (ukiyo-e) and contemporary commercial imagery.