The exhibition "Now, I Have Come to the Greatest Beginning of My Life" is running until August 31st at the Yayoi Kusama Museum in Waseda.

Magnetic Material (1954) *First half of exhibitionInk, watercolor, collage on paper  49.2 x 40 cm©YAYOI KUSAMA
Since childhood, Kusama has been creating dozens of drawings a day, capturing hallucinations. This exhibition features 40 drawings and watercolors, divided into two periods: the 1950s, the beginning of Yayoi Kusama's creative career, and her works in her hometown of Matsumoto and elsewhere. These works from this period display an astonishing diversity, boldly exploring a variety of materials and themes, and offer a unique appeal distinct from Kusama's current work. Also featured is her latest painting series, "My Eternal Soul," which she is currently focusing on. This series, a series of large-scale paintings begun in 2009 and still ongoing, currently numbers well over 550 pieces. This exhibition features 16 of these works, including "Dreams Were Dancing" and "The Journey of Life," which are being shown for the first time. These works, which dynamically transition between abstract and figurative forms with explosive colors, represent a dizzying mix of Kusama's ever-evolving styles and elements, making them a culmination of her artistic endeavors.

"A Pumpkin Screams Love to Infinity and Beyond" (2017)
Mixed media, size variable©YAYOI KUSAMA
The venue will also feature an immersive installation work, "A Pumpkin Screams Love to Infinity and Beyond." Born into a family that ran a seed business, Kusama created the work based on pumpkins, whose "generous, unadorned appearance" has fascinated her since she first saw them as a child. The vision of polka-dot pumpkins twinkling in the darkness is repeated infinitely in the mirror room, creating an immersive work that gives the sensation of being in an infinite pumpkin field floating in space.

In addition, there will be lectures, gallery talks where you can hear about the highlights of the work, and workshops for children. For details, please check the official website (www.yayoikusamamuseum.jp).

Tickets for this exhibition are by reservation only. Tickets for the following month go on sale on the official website on the 1st of each month.

To this day, Yayoi Kusama says, "Now, I have reached the greatest beginning of my life," and this exhibition allows you to trace the footsteps of her boundless, prolific creative endeavors. Why not experience up close the artist's unwavering creative attitude and the tireless energy that continues to fuel his overwhelming creativity?



Now, I've come to the biggest start of my life!
Period: April 1st - August 31st (First period: April 1st - June 17th, Second period: June 21st - August 31st) *During the exhibition, there will be changes to the exhibits on the second floor, which displays works from the 1950s.
Venue: Yayoi Kusama Museum
Address: 109 Bentencho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM *Admission times are designated, and there is a limited number of people allowed per session.
Admission: Adults ¥1,000 (tax included), Elementary, Junior High, and High School Students ¥600 (tax included) *Tickets for the following month go on sale on the museum's website (www.yayoikusamamuseum.jp) at 10:00 AM on the 1st of each month. No same-day tickets available.
Closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.