"Yayoi Kusama: My Eternal Soul," a major retrospective of avant-garde artist Yayoi Kusama, will open from February 22 to May 22 at the National Art Center, Tokyo in Roppongi, Tokyo. Ahead of the general public opening, a press preview was held, featuring a commentary on the works by the exhibition's curator, Yusuke Minami, and a photo session with Kusama. Amid a throng of reporters, Kusama appeared in a wheelchair and posed for photos, waving and smiling with both hands, with the "My Eternal Soul" series of works displayed on an entire wall in the background. "Yayoi Kusama: My Eternal Soul," held as part of the 10th anniversary of the opening of the National Art Center, Tokyo, is a large-scale exhibition worthy of summarizing Yayoi Kusama's artistic career, featuring approximately 270 works. This is a rare opportunity to experience everything Yayoi Kusama has to offer, including the giant yellow "Pumpkin," the same type as the one on display in Naoshima, and "Full of the Radiance of Life," from the artist's own collection. Curator Minami cited "My Eternal Soul," a showroom-wide exhibit, as a highlight of the exhibition. Since its inception in 2009, the artist has been tirelessly working on this series, which currently boasts 520 completed works. Amazingly, at 87 years old, Kusama completes each of these monumental works, measuring 162 x 162 cm, at a pace of one every two to three days. Surrounded by the polka dots, mesh, and vibrant colors of "My Eternal Soul," visitors can experience the landscape Yayoi Kusama sees, while also being overwhelmed by the sheer energy she pours into her art. Beginning with her masterpiece "My Eternal Soul," the exhibition offers a comprehensive experience of the "Kusama world," spanning early works painted in Matsumoto, where she was born and raised, to the net paintings and soft sculptures she made after moving to the United States, which were recognized as pioneers of minimal art, performance videos, and collages created after returning to Japan. Yayoi Kusama suffered from severe neurosis from a young age and began painting to suppress fears and suicidal urges. Her words, "I want to infuse my paintings with a sense of awe for the universe that gave birth to me," convey the strong will embodied in each single dot of the vast expanse of polka dots. The outdoor "Obliteration Room" interactive installation and a wide selection of exclusive merchandise make this a great place for families.
【Exhibition Information】
"Yayoi Kusama: My Eternal Soul"
Location: The National Art Center, Tokyo, Special Exhibition Gallery 1E
Dates: February 22nd - May 22nd, 2017
Hours: 10:00 - 18:00 (until 20:00 on Fridays, last entry 30 minutes before closing)
Admission: Adults 1,600 yen, University students 1,200 yen, High school students 800 yen
Closed: Tuesdays (open on May 2nd)
