OBSERVER: Kusama at NGV
The National Gallery of Victoria International has another brilliant blockbuster must-see exhibition currently showing in its retrospective of the work of internationally-acclaimed Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama.
The exhibition is organised chronologically and spans almost nine decades; from work produced in her childhood to her work in New York’s avante-garde scene in the sixties to creations made last year.
Almost 200 pieces are on display which are produced in a range of different mediums exemplifying her multi-disciplinary practice which includes installation, collage, film, painting, fashion and sculpture.
They include significant pieces which have helped shape major art movements such as minimalism, pop art and feminist art.
Thematically the show is rich and covers her foray into fashion clothing, her vibrant immediately recognisable polka-dotted pumpkin and flower sculptures and her famous immersive installations such as multi-mirrored infinity rooms which visually create the illusion of infinite space.
Art, for Kusama, is deeply personal in nature as it helps alleviate mental health problems that have plagued her for many years. It allows her to express her fears and anxieties as she grapples with psychological and sexual concerns.
Somewhat surprisingly though, apart from one or two pieces, the work itself is not that confronting or upsetting.
Instead, Kusama’s work successfully seeks to convey the beauty and complexity of the natural world.
At times some of the work has echoes of Australian indigenous art in its use of organic forms and patterns drawn from nature. Elsewhere the work consists of elaborate structures made from materials not found in the natural world.
With such materials the artist creates amazing environments and spaces that bewitch bewilder and bemuse. Throughout it all there is a sense of playfulness, exploration and wonder.
This exhibition then is a once-in-a-life-time opportunity to see and engage with the wonderful artwork of the iconic, idiosyncratic, ground-breaking and inspiring Kusama; highly recommended.
Venue: NGV International, 180 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne
Dates and times:Until April 21; check website below for days and times
Tickets: ngv.vic.gov.au/exhibition/yayoi-kusama/
For further information: ngv.vic.gov.au/exhibition/yayoi-kusama/
Review by Peter Murphy