Essential Art Blog: From Pumpkins to Infinity

14s At Kusama

On 12th October, our 14s art pupils visited The Moving Moment When I Went to the Universe, Yayoi Kusama's vibrant and sculptural exhibition at the Victoria Miro Gallery. Here Luna and Tabitha of the 14s and Sixth Former, Arianna, who visited the exhibition independently in her own time, provide their reactions

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Luna and Tabitha
 
Yayoi Kusama's work consists of paintings and pumpkin sculptures covered in brightly coloured dots. Our favourite part was the 'Infinity Room' above which you could walk in and see hanging neon lanterns all around you. Although the room was small, it appeared to be infinite because of the surrounding mirrors. We loved this because it gave the illusion that the art work went on forever. We really enjoyed studying her work, it was a memorable trip and we were very lucky to have the opportunity to go.  

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Arianna

A few weeks ago I visited Yayoi Kusama's exhibition The Moving Moment When I went To The Universe ​at the Victoria Miro gallery in London. Kusama is a self-described “obsessional artist”, known for her regular use of polka dots and infinity installations. The Japanese contemporary artist's work encompasses an astonishing variety of media, including painting, sculpture, performance art, and installations in a variety of styles. Her inspiration roots from hallucinations she experienced as a child and that often involved fields of dots. These dots and familiar patterns have continued to inform her art throughout her career. 

DSC_0040.jpgThe exhibition included one of her renowned infinity rooms, a selection of her pumpkin paintings and sculptures, and her flower sculptures located in the gallery's garden. Kusama's work, specifically the infinity room, is very interactive. It immerses the viewer entirely into a new universe - as suggested in the exhibition's title - removing the participants from reality and surrounding them in an abstract and surreal environment. This specific infinity room consisted of black spherical lanterns, covered with luminous, vibrant coloured polka dots that ranged in colours. The viewer was permitted 10 to 15 seconds to enjoy the experience. 
 
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Kusama's pumpkins were also an important part of the exhibition. As fairly large sculptures, they possess a bold and enticing presence in the gallery space. These pumpkin sculptures and paintings remained within the greens, yellows, and reds. Kusama is recognised for her simplicity and repetition of patterns. This is what I believe makes her work so effective and enjoyable to view and engage with.  Overall, although a small exhibition, it was definitely a worthwhile visit. I have always been a fan of Kusama's work and I look forward to seeing her future projects and installations. 
 
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