Takashi Murakami's KaiKai And Kiki In The Gagosian Retail Store New York Window

Takashi Murakami's "KaiKai and Kiki" are displayed in the window of the new store of the international art powerhouse, Gagosian Gallery. The Gagosian Store is located at 988 Madison Avenue. The retail space purveys prints, one-off pieces, publications, and also doubles as an exhibition space. Following the Andy Warhol credo, the store offers "pop art that is popular, transient, expendable, low cost, mass produced, young, witty, sexy, gimmicky, glamorous and big business."

The Japanese pop artist Takashi Murakami created animation characters Kaikai, a childlike character and Kiki, a companion with three eyes and sharp fangs. They are examples of Mr. Murakami's signature superflat style.

Giant Balloons At The 2010 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Kung Fu Panda (Dreamworks Animation)

"Super Cute" Hello Kitty (Sanrio)

Takashi Murakami's "Kaikai" and "Kiki"

Takashi Murakami's "Kiki"

Ronald McDonald (McDonald's)

Sailor Mickey (Disney Cruise Line)

Kermit The Frog (Disney)

Shrek (Dreamworks Animation)

Spiderman (Marvel Entertainment)

Spongebob Squarepants (Nickelodeon)

Pikachu with Pokeball (The Pokemon Company International)

While much of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade's roster of giant balloons is dedicated to readily identifiable figures, the parade organizers try to make room for what they call "high art." This year's giant balloon lineup for the Macy's Thanksgiving parade included new characters like Kaikai and Kiki (Kaikaikiki Co. Ltd.). These characters were designed by Japanese artist, Takashi Murakami who in the global art scene is known for his inflatable sculptures of psychedelic anime-style cartoon characters as well as his Louis Vuitton handbag and Casio watch designs. The parade is a "snapshot of the American culture," according to the executive producer of the parade, Robin Hall. Aside from giant balloons, the parade featured marching bands, floats, cheering clowns and a host of celebrities like Jessica Simpson, Kanye West and Gladys Knight. The images of the balloons were made earlier this morning at the intersection of 42nd Street and 6th Avenue.