I really appreciate being able to chat about these things, too. Just got back from Japan and saw parts of Murakami collection and popups, plus random exhibits of his artwork at non LV sites.
For an artist to make art that is a commentary on mass consumption, that is then mass consumed across the world.. love it!! Then with the original inspiration also including those deep cultural references to Otaku culture, nature, trauma, rebirth, and spirituality- i think it's fascinating! Don't know if I'll end up buying anything, but always love checking out the context behind the artists' pieces. Murakami's work is now reminding me of Sun Yitian, with her pop animals that nearly everyone on the forum seemed to disdain last year

but the significance of her work has some striking parallels actually. And Park Seobo too, with his Paper works last year for the Men's Epi range. (I loved the animals, btw!)
Ok enough babble from me, but really happy to hear if there's more insight into all this

I do enjoy the pieces more this way!