The balcony of Honour at the Grand Palais was the setting for the monumental sculpture (8 meters high) by Japanese artist Takashi Murakami (1962). The creature, an enormous octopus with its tentacles outstretched, occupied the entire balcony, which was transformed into a psychedelic garden with giant flowers and mushrooms as part of this collaboration between the artist and the luxury brand Louis Vuitton. This is the fourth time Murakami has been involved in the creation of handbags, this time with cartoonish motifs displayed in closed glass cases behind the sculpture.

To better understand Murakami's work, it's worth remembering that he is an admirer of American Pop culture and particularly of Andy Warhol, who was his main influence and role model. From this influences, Murakami appropriates traditional Japanese manga, incorporates it into his works, and popularizes it worldwide.

Beneath the magnificent glass roof of the palace, encountering Murakami's creature evokes the same feeling in all visitors: excitement. As electrifying to his longtime fans as to newcomers, the octopus, born from the artist's kaleidoscopic imagination, will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark.