 Pharrell Williams, known throughout the world for his producing, recording, and collaborating in hip hop music, has expanded his empire still further: into the art world. Working with Japanese artist Takashi Murakami, he inspired the one-of-a-kind work of art called "The Simple Things". Despite its name, the piece sold for more than $2 million at the Art Basel Fair in Basel, Switzerland. It took less than 20 minutes into the show's opening for "The Simple Things" to sell, and lovers of art and music are showing up in droves as it has become the main attractions at an annual event not known for its expression of urban culture. Murakami is at the forefront of the Japonism movement, an artist, creator of animated films, author, and head of the Kaikai Kiki Co, Ltd. He and Pharrell put their heads together to create a new take on ordinary objects. Murakami's trademark character, known as "Mr. DOB", is the setting of the work. His mouth open wide, sharp teeth showing, is said to have eaten too many magic mushrooms. Inside his open mouth and protected by his sharp teeth are Pharrell Williams' 7 favorite everyday objects: a bag of Doritos, a bottle of ketchup, a sneaker from his own line called "Ice Cream:, a condom wrapper, a can of Pepsi, a Magnolia Bakery cupcake, and a bottle of Johnson's baby lotion. Each of these "ordinary objects" are, however, meticulously made in 18 karat white, yellow, and rose gold and are set with more than 26,000 diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds. Some of them are painted, and some of the have real, functioning parts to make them more life-like. For the jewels and gold, the artists worked with jeweler-to-the-stars Jacob & Co., the major name in hip hop jewelry. Denise Scala of Jacob & Co. said of the sculpture, "Each of these pieces is a unique work of art and a tribute to 'extra-ordinary' expression. Pharrell is a long-time friend of Jacob & Co. It was a privilege to collaborate with him and bring his dream to reality. Pharrell himself explains the unique piece, saying, "The simplest things are the most essential to our lives and we rarely pay attention to them enough. Originally from Virginia and now lucky enough to travel the world, I always try to rediscover the tastes, smells, and memories of the first time the world revealed itself to me." Pharrell's music and streetwear designs reflect the same elements of simplicity and decadence, of the mundane and the unusual, and of ordinary and the remarkable.
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