Yayoi Kusama, My Eternal Soul

YAYOI KUSAMA, “MY ETERNAL SOUL”

February 22 (Wed.) - May 22 (Mon.), 2017

 The exhibition “MY ETERNAL SOUL” by the celebrated artist, Yayoi Kusama was held at the National Art Center in Roppongi, Tokyo in 2017.  Yayoi Kusama is a celebrated Japanese avant-garde artist.

 Kusama started her "My Eternal Soul" series in 2009. The exhibition featured 132 paintings, including new works from the series of over 500 pieces. The paintings are all standardized to a square shape measuring 194cm x 194cm.  

Kusama's paintings are distinguished by rich variation, with figurative motifs and abstract patterns coexisting. Some paints are with a single color, while others are really colorful with gold, silver and copper metallic. 

The exhibition traces her entire career, and is split into four major time periods – Kusama in her hometown, Matsumoto, Kusama in New York 1957-73,  Kusama in Tokyo 1970-2000 and Kusama in the 21st Century. The artworks embody a compendium of Kusama’s work in her evolution as an artist.

 The exhibition includes her most famous works, like legendary paintings and objects incorporating red polka dots and yellow pumpkins.  As shown in the above photo, I saw red polka dots affixed to the trees outside the museum.

 This is a compendium of all she has experienced and achieved during her 70 years as an artist. Now she is over 90 years old, but we cannot help admiring Kusama’s unflagging energy and creativity.

 

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The National Art Center Tokyo

7-22-2 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Closed every Tuesday

Open: 10:00 ~ 18:00

Tokyo Metro - Chiyoda Line, Nogizaka Station - direct access from Exit 6