culture and life

Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama is one of the most interesting artists of her generation, complex and continually challenging convention, she has been at the forefront of modernism since the 50s and now at 83, is at her creative apex. Yayoi Kusama’s mental illness is well documented, but it should be the vivid, vibrant art she creates that is spoken of more, the ‘obsessive artist’ nature just seems to heighten her talents.

Yayoi Kusama’s ‘Look Now, See Forever’ transforms the dramatic spaces of the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) in Queensland, Australia into a series of spectacular immersive rooms, featuring new sculptures and paintings as well as film projection and installation. Showcasing her innovative work with colour, form, space and perception, this exhibition shows a senior artist at the peak of her powers.

There is also a return for her 2002 installation ‘The Obliteration Room’, now much bigger and better, aimed at passing on her fondness for repetition, pattern and accumulation to kids. Kusama has created a typical home, complete with furniture, plants and a piano, but painted entirely white, and all children visitors are allowed to decorate it with brightly coloured, round stickers. The result is a kaleidoscopic landscape, which effectively reflects the artist’s playfulness that is evident in much of her work.

Since 1977 Kusama has lived voluntarily in a psychiatric institution, and much of her work has been marked with obsessiveness and a desire to escape from psychological trauma. Everyone loves an escape from reality and ‘The Obliteration Room’ is just that…

Yayoi Kasumi will be coming to London soon, as the largest exhibition of her work will be seen at Tate Modern 9 February  –  5 June 2012.