We noted on the site the other day that famed Japanese artist Takashi Murakami will open Murakami—Ego at the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Qatar on February 9, featuring 60 works from 1997 to the present, with new works created for this specific exhibition. Culture blog Honeyee captured a few photos from inside the space, which features a gigantic inflatable sculpture of the artist himself greeting visitors as they enter.

The exhibition is open through June 24, 2012

The exhibition will be Murakami's first in the Middle East, and is part of the Qatar Museum Authority's attempt "to promote and support local and international art, foster conversations about artists and popular culture, and build bridges between cultures." This seems to be part of Qatar's 2022 World Cup promotion cycle. Good choice in going with Murakami first.