Art Love: Yayoi Kusama

When I first saw this art installation I immediately thought of space mountain amusement park ride in Disney Land.  When I was about 5, I clutched my mother's hand so tight while waiting for the ride and I can still remember how scared I was but my mother laughed and insisted that I be brave.  I hated the ride but I loved all of the twinkling lights and how they glowed and flickered around me.  What makes an installation powerful? It's when it can transport you to another planet, which Yayoi Kusama does just that.

These art installations by Yayoi Kusama is a series entitled Mirrors/Infinity and is a room surrounded by mirrors and LED lights.  She embracing many mediums like painting, writing, fashion and sculpture. I had to include a picture of her because she is her art and is a living piece of her work.  Can you tell she is obsessed with polka dots? and at 84 is known as one the most important living artists from Japan. 

She currently and voluntarily resides in mental facility since the late 70's in Japan This facility houses her art studio and is a few minute walk to another studio and from what I hear is piled high with art. She has had hallucinations and obsessive compulsive disorder since she was a child and channels her neurosis into her work.  She has shown in tons of major places like MOMA, Tate Modern and the Whitney and many many many more big places all over the world.  In 2008 one of her paintings was sold at Christie's Auction House for almost 5.8 million which was a record for a living female artist. Geez, I know pretty amazing- a case of genius meets insanity.   

19 comments

Lauren said...

Wow. Fascinating story and gorgeous work. What an incredible amount of self-knowledge it took for her to willingly commit herself to a mental institution.

The genius/insanity sitting side by side doesn't surprise me. It often does, doesn't it? It makes me wonder if her willingness to be in this institution, a "safe space" made her more likely to create? It's a lot to think about!

birdie to be said...

Gorgeous pictures! It reminds me of space mt too :)

Jamie said...

Wow. That is awesome.

Eva said...

you're rigth! it's like been in another planet !! Like it!

Unknown said...

Amazing photo's, I love her work! She had an exhibition in the Tate Modern in London just over a year ago, but sadly I missed it. This looks like a complete other world! xxx

Christine D. | The Plumed Nest said...

this reminds me of the ripley's believe it or not museum, (or is it the wax museum?) at newport beach. but better obviously. what a fascinating story. is there a documentary on her? i feel like i just want to dive into her world for a bit.

Melissa said...

wow! Beautiful! :) Thanks for sharing!

Unknown said...

Wow. That is a stunning installation. I am sure it was very inspiring to see in person.

Tales of Whimsy said...

Whoa. Amazing. I so love it.

Lauren said...

Those are amazing. I think genius and crazy go hand in hand sometimes. Howard Hughes was brilliant and also insane.

Jessica (Coco/Mingo) said...

Amazing - I'd love to be standing in the middle of all that beauty!! Thanks for sharing, Erika, you find the best stuff!!

J said...

This is GORGEOUS! And her story is so interesting.

Jennifer Prod said...

this installation looks absolutely like a fairy land - so gorgeous i just want to run through and then plop down in the center and pretend like i'm staring at the stars. the first quote about polka dots not being able to stand alone is really quite touching <3

rooth said...

She is so amazing, I first heard about her and her collection with Louis Vuitton in 2012. The mind is a wondrous and terrible place, no?

Crystal said...

Wow, that's incredible!

Anonymous said...

Wooow!

Hena Tayeb said...

oh wow.. so beautiful

k said...

totally fascinating about the artist!! i'd love to go see that!

anopensketchbook said...

Wowee! Is this ever inspiring! And makes me feel a little more sane!

Really excited to discover your blog. Cheers on all the fresh content!