We recently visited the National Gallery of Victoria, or “NGV,” for the amazing Yayoi Kusama exhibition. Kusama has emerged as one of the most celebrated artists in the world, known for her work with pop art and minimalism and we have been fortunate to experience her work several times before at the Tate Modern in London, a public art festival in Rockaway, and the David Zwirner Gallery in Chelsea. At the NGV exhibition, Kusama displays some of her iconic pumpkin sculptures, which she first began to create in 1946. Comparing the ritual of painting a pumpkin to Zen meditation, Kusama credits pumpkins with contributing “to the peace of mankind across the world and to the celebration of humanity” making her “feel at peace.” In fact, the artist’s affinity for the winter squash has elevated it to one of the most recognized icons of contemporary art around the world.
Kusama is also known for her use of polka-dots within her art, seeing them as a way to infinity. Her polka dots come to life in this exhibit through infinity rooms, sculptures, and paintings. We loved this journey through Kusama’s career, exploring the artistic themes she’s developed over the decades. The exhibition is open through April 21, and we recommend viewers stop in to catch Kusama’s masterpieces before the exhibit ends.
