Murakami becomes art...

Despite negative impact of a crippling economy and a potentially massive art sales slump, this year's ART BASEL is off to a good start as evidenced by Japanese Pop icon TAKASHI MURAKAMI's free-spirited cosplay romp at the GALERIE EMMANUEL PERROTIN VIP preview party tonite. Appearing as one of his signature smiling flower balls, (complete with shiny green "stem" tights and flowered VisVims) the Superflat impresario took time to pose with the ladies and spread good cheer before disappearing alone into the night. Hopefully, we won't find any giant soggy flower-men washed up on the beach tomorrow morning...

"Hey ladies!..."

"Okay, I'm hiding now, don't find me!!"...

Great balls of flower...