Pop into Pop Life at Tate Modern and prepare to be immersed in the movement of an art form that is as important today as it was at its birth. Art and commerce work hand in hand to address the power of Art on both economic and political stages - a stronger force than the superficiality that is usually perceived. The usual Pop cavaliers are here: Cattelan, Hirst, Koons, Prince and Warhol but enjoy the rare exhibits of work in the UK from American duo Pruitt Early who glamorized African-American culture in the early 1990s with Red, Black, Green, Red, White and Blue (top left), Meyer Vaisman's In The Vicinity Of History (bottom right) as well as Keith Haring's graffiti that invades the space from floor to ceiling as well as his embrace of merchandising as a medium with a version of his Pop Shop concept in the space. Takashi Murakami's practice mirrors that of Haring and his efforts of expanding Warhol's model of factory production are on display in all of its Japanese-glory. From the various directions his work has taken under his company Kaikai Kiki Co. Ltd with collaborations from Pharell Williams to Kanye West, Comme des Garรงons and Louis Vuitton as well as his art fair concept GEISAI, highlights include his new work based around the character Akihabara Majokko Princess (centre). Directed by Hollywood director McG, the music video featuring Marvel Comic-doyenne, Kirsten Dunst singing the song "Turning Japanese" by The Vapors and dancing around the infamous Akihabara district. Pop Life highlights the labels between high and low Art - the furore of Prince's work of celebrity Brooke Shields being an example - but its ability to connect with society on an accessible level is where Pop's power lies and it is this power that will affirm Pop's longevity in life and history.
