LOUNGE /
ART
April 4, 2017
To the Place Closest to the Genius's Spiritual World: Yayoi Kusama: My Soul of Eternity Exhibition | ART
To the Place Closest to the Genius's Spiritual World
Yayoi Kusama: My Soul of Eternity Exhibition Now On!
Yayoi Kusama, often called the "eternal avant-garde artist," has been active at the forefront of the art world since the 1950s. Her creativity has established a unique expressive style, which can be called "Kusama Art," transcending genres to encompass painting, sculpture, installation, film, and literature. The National Art Center, Tokyo, celebrating its 10th anniversary, is hosting a solo exhibition of unprecedented scale, delving into the boundless energy that continues to captivate the world, her rare talent, and the individuality that constantly pushes the boundaries of the times. This major exhibition in Tokyo, the first in 13 years, brings together approximately 270 works to offer a comprehensive look at the artist's oeuvre.
Text by MAKIGUCHI June
The exhibition is divided into two parts: Part 1, showcasing recent works created in the 21st century, and Part 2, displaying works from the 20th century. Upon entering Part 1, visitors are immediately greeted by 132 large-scale paintings displayed without a single gap on the walls. These are part of Kusama's "My Soul of Eternity" series, which she has been energetically pursuing since 2009.
This series, with new works produced at a pace of one every two to three days, had already reached 520 pieces by February 2017, approximately seven years after its inception. This exhibition marks the first time that a quarter of these works—a significant portion—have been gathered in one place, either domestically or internationally. It is also noteworthy that all of these pieces are being shown in Japan for the first time.
From the "My Soul of Eternity" series, "After the Horrible War, My Heart Is Filled with Happiness." ©YAYOI KUSAMA
The space is filled with large-scale works that encapsulate Kusama's recurring concepts of "repetition," "multiplication," and "accumulation" within her favorite motifs, creating a truly overwhelming spectacle. It is an environment that envelops visitors in the artist's energy, conveying a powerful sense of vitality. Following the series, which can be seen as the culmination of Kusama's artistic career, the exhibition presents works from her early days in Japan, pieces featuring her signature polka dots, her "net paintings" that first garnered acclaim after her move to the United States, "soft sculptures" with furniture densely covered in phallic protrusions, the light-filled "Infinity Mirror Rooms" installations, as well as her literary works such as novels and poems. Outdoors, a giant pumpkin sculpture is also on display, allowing visitors to fully experience her artistic evolution up to the present day.
"The Vibrancy of Life" Courtesy of Ota Fine Arts, Tokyo / Singapore; Victoria Miro Gallery, London; David Zwirner, New York ©YAYOI KUSAMA
"Pumpkin" Collection of Forever Museum of Contemporary Art ©YAYOI KUSAMA
©YAYOI KUSAMA
This exhibition offers a valuable opportunity for fans to systematically explore Kusama's art, which has been constantly evolving on such a grand scale.
This exhibition, which delves into the entirety of her creative activities from her early career to the present, is the artist's largest solo exhibition in Japan. Kusama continues to garner increasing attention, having achieved great success with solo shows at institutions like Tate Modern in London and the Centre Pompidou in Paris, as well as in numerous other countries worldwide. Many fans have eagerly awaited the long-overdue Tokyo exhibition. The content of the exhibition is sure to exceed even the highest expectations, inspiring envy among art lovers around the globe.
At the opening ceremony, Kusama stated, "I would be delighted if you could feel even a little of my creative drive, my hope for art, and my passion. Everyone, please love my art."
Until May 22nd, The National Art Center, Tokyo, will be the closest place to the spiritual world of the rare genius artist, Yayoi Kusama.
Yayoi Kusama: My Soul of Eternity
Dates: February 22, 2017 (Wed) - May 22, 2017 (Mon)
Closed: Tuesdays, except for Tuesday, May 2nd, when the museum will be open.
Opening Hours: 10:00 - 18:00 (Fridays until 20:00) (Last admission 30 minutes before closing)
*From April 29 (Sat) to May 7 (Sun), the museum will be open until 20:00 daily.
Venue: The National Art Center, Tokyo, Special Exhibition Gallery 1E [Roppongi, Tokyo]
Address: 7-22-2 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-8558 http://www.nact.jp/
Exhibition Website: http://kusama2017.jp/
Inquiries: 03-5777-8600 (Hello Dial)
Organizers: The National Art Center, Tokyo; The Asahi Shimbun; TV Asahi
Sponsors: Kajima Corporation, Okamura Printing Co., Ltd.
Support: Yayoi Kusama Studio, Panasonic, TOKYO FM