ARTISTIC LANGUAGE OF MASS CULTURE AS ILLUSTRATED BY TAKASHI MURAKAMI (ON MATERIALS FROM "UNDER THE RADIATION FALLS" EXHIBIT, 2017–2018, MOSCOW)

In this paper I delve into the artistic language of Japanese mass culture, as represented by Japanese contemporary artist working in the field of neo pop-art, Takashi Murakami. General traits characterizing the kawaii aesthetic, influenced in large part by the otaku subculture, are defined in the research. Main unique features of kawaii as an art style based on manga stylistic are defined; their traces in Takashi Murakami art are scrutinized. The artist's works themselves are to undergo an analysis based on the artist's personal theory of superflatness. A thesis about strong ties between the artistic language of contemporary art and mass culture, their mutual influences is proved true.