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Summary of Murakami Takashi’s “My Lonesome Cowboy”

Murakimi’s “My Lonesome Cowboy (1998)” is a work of art that depicted a level of the Japanese otaku culture, created in 1968 and was the best selling at the time. It portrayed the homoerotic theme which in the opposite sense conveys the genres of heterosexual romantic melodrama and the expression of the bond among men. This art expressed America’s macho and authentic masculinity and was about exaggerated, terse manhood targeted at the gay community at the time.

Summary of Murakami Takashi’s “My Lonesome Cowboy”Murakami’s art and that of Warhol’s cohort share one concept in which revealed bulky men with muscles, images of men as prostitutes, involuntary bisexuals resulting in an obscene in relation to the revealing of manhood. Murakami’s art modeled this concept defining the homoerotic boys who show their immature appearance, and one of which was spurting semen straight from his enlarged penis, giving a contrast to the size of his body. The art is very attractive, apparently boyish, and innocent.

This work of art, and the one Murakami portrayed in a Japanese soft comics for girls – “shōjo” explores more about gender and racial identities. Murakami avoids scenes of heterosexuality or homosexuality. However, this cowboy is anxious to show off his sperm. This cowboy also appears like a feminized comic character with questionable racial traits.

Murakami’s title, My Lonesome Cowboy sounds symbolic and relates to Warhol’s film, which portrayed a prototypical image of powerful, patriotic masculinity. Meanwhile, Murakami’s sculpture revealed more uncertainty and distinction between his Japanese ‘Little Boy’ and the American ‘Big Brother’ from Warhol. These characters celebrated and undermine heterosexuality and implicitly aggressive manhood with their ejaculating gesture. Additionally, the artwork toyed with people’s sympathy, and was disgusting too.

Murakami’s concept, which relates to nationalist aesthetic and commercialization of art were extended to the extreme of the issues relating to gender or racial distinction. Murakami employs more use of the application of design concepts in art and commerce to achieve his career. His concept of “My Lonesome Cowboy” provides an image that experiments aggressive manhood while considering gender traits and racial identities.

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