03 Apr Kusama Excursion: Beyond the Polka Dots
My VCE Art Making and Exhibiting class recently visited the Yayoi Kusama exhibition at the NGV, the largest retrospective of her work in Australia. The exhibition showcased over 200 artworks, including immersive rooms and her latest infinity mirror installation, offering a comprehensive overview of her life’s work from the 1930s to today.
Kusama, born in Japan in 1929, is renowned for her use of vibrant patterns and symbols to express her emotional and psychological experiences. The exhibition highlighted her journey from a challenging childhood in Japan to her creative years in New York, reflecting her evolution as an artist and her struggle with mental health issues, which she channels into her art.
The NGV exhibition was divided into two sections: her early life and work up to 1946, and her later creations including the iconic infinity rooms. Notable pieces included the “Dancing Pumpkin,” a massive sculpture inspired by Kusama’s childhood memories of pumpkins, and the “Flower Obsession” infinity room, where visitors could add red flower stickers to the surfaces, transforming the space over time.
This visit not only allowed us to appreciate Kusama’s art and the NGV’s expert curation but also deepened our understanding of exhibition design and the impactful role of interactive art in engaging audiences. Importantly, the exhibition underscored the significant role of a female artist emerging in a male-dominated art world, highlighting what can be achieved through self-belief and perseverance.
I would like to extend my thanks to the Art Department at Yavneh, and especially to Ms. De Mesquita, for the lovely photographs and her assistance in making this excursion exceptionally memorable.
