Yayoi Kusama: “My Eternal Soul”, at the National Art Center Tokyo

Exhibition Title: My Eternal Soul

Artist: Yayoi Kusama

Dates: February 22 2017 to May 22 2017

Location: National Art Center Tokyo

The exhibition featured 132 paintings from Kusama’s “My Eternal Soul” series that she started in 2009. Plus a retrospective of her work through stages of her life starting in her hometown Matsumoto. The exhibition offered a captivating retrospective of Kusama's artistic evolution, tracing her journey from her roots in Matsumoto, her hometown, through the various stages of her remarkable career.

Yayoi Kusama: My Eternal Soul [at the National Art Center Tokyo] | Photo by Nadia Bouzid

Yayoi Kusama was named one of ‘The 100 Most Influential People’ (TIME magazine, USA / 2016)

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National Art Center Tokyo | by Nadia Bouzid

Exhibition outline via National Art Center Tokyo

Kusama in the 21st Century

Kusama is included in TIME magazine’s 2016 list of the 100 Most Influential People in the World. In 2014, Art Newspaper named her the world's most popular artist. Her solo exhibition that toured Reina Sofia (Madrid), Tate Modern (London), the Centre Pompidou (Paris) and the Whitney Museum (New York) received extensive press coverage. Touring exhibitions in Latin America, Asia, and Northern Europe followed.

"My Eternal Soul"

The "My Eternal Soul" series, begun in 2009, is an ongoing project currently comprising over 500 paintings. In the early stages of production, Kusama used several sizes of canvas, measuring 162×130.3cm, or 162×162cm. Later, the size standardized to a quasi-square canvas measuring 194×194cm. The series is marked by astonishing variety, incorporating abstract patterns as well as natural forms. It represents the essence of Kusama’s art, and is an embodiment of all the elements of her corpus of work.

2. Kusama in the 20th Century

Kusama in Matsumoto

Interested in painting since childhood, Yayoi Kusama began to study nihonga (Japanese-style paintings) at the Kyoto Municipal School of Arts and Crafts. She became disenchanted with the course, and instead went on to create independently at her home in Matsumoto. In the 1950s, Kusama depicted abstract as well as natural forms, and developed a variety of motifs based on plant and animal forms, the planets and universe, and urban landscapes. Art critic Shūzō Takiguchi recognized her abilities and organized several solo exhibitions for her in Tokyo.

Kusama in New York 1957-73

Kusama felt limited in Japan. In the autumn of 1957, she moved to the United States and settled down the following year in New York. Her Infinity Nets paintings, vast fields of canvas filled with monochrome strokes with no center, and no structure, quickly gained attention. Following that, her work revealed obsessions with sex and food. She produced furniture with appended soft sculpture phallic forms, accumulations and installations, as well as Happenings (performance art).

Kusama in Tokyo

In 1973, Kusama returned to Tokyo due to ill health. She continued creating while staying in the hospital. Motifs of her work include polka dots, nets, and phallic imagery in paintings, sculptures, and installations. Vivid colors and figurative motifs emerged as new elements during this period. She also began work in media such as collage, engraving, and in the writing of fiction and poetry. Her straightforward expression related to the subjects of death, sex, and the infinite universe attracted new audiences. Her artistic horizons also broadened through a number of collaborations.

Mural of Yayoi Kusama in Wynwood By Chloe Hakakian 2028 | Photo by Nadia Bouzid

WHO IS YAYOI?

A groundbreaking artist renowned for her avant-garde work spanning various mediums such as painting, sculpture, performance art, and installations. Born in Matsumoto, Japan, in 1929, Kusama's artistic journey began at a young age, and she later gained global recognition for her innovative creations characterized by bold colors, repetitive patterns, and a sense of infinity. Despite facing personal struggles, Kusama's determination and creativity have left an indelible mark on the art world, making her one of the most influential artists of our time.

Yayoi Kusama: A Life of Triumph Over Adversity and Creative Collaboration

Yayoi Kusama's journey from a small town in Japan to international acclaim as an avant-garde artist is not just a story of creativity but also one of resilience and overcoming personal struggles. Her collaborations with leading brands have not only expanded her influence but also served as a testament to her ability to transcend adversity and inspire others.

Early Life and Artistic Journey:

Born in Matsumoto, Japan, in 1929, Yayoi Kusama discovered her passion for art at a young age. Despite facing familial opposition, she pursued her dreams and eventually moved to New York City in the late 1950s. There, she immersed herself in the city's vibrant art scene, creating bold and imaginative works that garnered critical acclaim.

Time in the Asylum:

However, Kusama's success was accompanied by personal challenges, including struggles with mental health. In the late 1970s, she voluntarily admitted herself to a psychiatric hospital in Japan, where she has lived voluntarily ever since. Despite the hardships she faced during this time, Kusama continued to create art, using it as a form of therapy and self-expression.

Collaborations with Brands:

Kusama's resilience and creativity have not gone unnoticed, leading to collaborations with numerous brands eager to harness her unique artistic vision. In 2012, she partnered with Louis Vuitton to create a line of luxury handbags, accessories, and clothing featuring her iconic polka dots. This collaboration brought her art to a new audience, blurring the lines between fashion and fine art.

Additionally, Kusama collaborated with cosmetics giant Shu Uemura to produce a vibrant collection of makeup inspired by her bold colors and patterns. These collaborations allowed fans to incorporate Kusama's artistic flair into their everyday lives, further cementing her status as a cultural icon.

Legacy:

Yayoi Kusama's life and work serve as an inspiration to artists and individuals around the world. Her ability to overcome personal struggles and channel them into her art is a testament to the transformative power of creativity. Through her collaborations with brands, she has expanded her influence and brought her art to new audiences, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire generations to come.