Yayoi Kusama is a Japanese artist who commutes to her studio every morning from her home, which just so happens to be a mental institution. She was an artist at large in the 1950's and 1960's, partying with Andy Warhol, and counted Georgia O’Keeffe amongst her friends. She put on "Nude Parties" in the middle of Manhattan, in which she would paint thousands of tiny circles on naked models. She once held an impromptu sale of her art outside of the MoMA. While some commentators might call the 82 year old polka dot obsessed, she would correct you. "Infinity" She would say. For Kusama the multiplicity of circles represents a never ending continuum.
This year Yayoi Kusama and the mega brand Louis Vuitton have teamed up together to create a limited edition of her unique designs that will be featured on all LV accessories, shoes and clothing. The artist who looks like the love child of Anna Sui and Betsey Johnson, sports her Anna Wintour bob (in fiery orange-y red) perfectly. Though no longer living in New York, she continues to foster her otherworldly eccentrics in unique ways. In interviews she has often described hallucinations and seizure like experiences as her artistic inspiration. Her earliest example of her use of dots can be found on a drawing from when she was 10 years old.
Yayoi Kusama currently has an exhibition on display at the Tate Modern in London (on display until June 5th). When Kusama first left her native Japan, she sought New York for its famed embracing of the modern art movement. Once again residing in Japan, she is now the country's most famous contemporary artist.
What you think of Yayoi Kusama and her work?
