Renowned Japanese artist Takashi Murakami teamed up with fashion brand Supreme to fundraise during the coronavirus pandemic — and ended up raising more than a million dollars.
Murakami, founder of the “Superflat” movement that blurs the boundaries of high and low culture, helped create a T-shirt with his original artwork. The print features the Supreme logo against the artist’s signature flowers.
The shirt originally sold for $60. But anytime Supreme releases new items, they are quickly snatched up and resold for much higher prices online, with fans worldwide clamoring for the coveted goods — and this time was no different. The T-shirt is reselling for up to $1,750 on the streetwear site Grailed.
Supreme is one of the most sought-after brands in fashion, boasting collaborations with the likes of Louis Vuitton, Lacoste, Nike and Timberland.
On Tuesday, Help USA posted a photo of the shirt on Instagram, thanking the brand for donating $1,052,040 in sales.
“This incredible gift comes in a time of our clients’ greatest need and supports our work nationally to provide the most vulnerable with a safe place to call home, food, and essential services during this crisis and beyond,” said the post.
Related: Takashi Murakami’s artistic influences
Top image caption: Artist Takashi Murakami attends the FIAC 2019 – International Contemporary Art Fair Press Preview at le Grand Palais on October 16, 2019 in Paris, France.
