No doubt about Yayoi Kusama is one of the most adored contemporary Japanese fine artists alive. Born in Nagano, her artistic traits were emerged from her escaping experiences from her own hallucinations and hearing issues. Her talent was fortunately unfolded and led to school days in Kyoto, to Tokyo Arts University. Her dots and vivid visual styles were categorized as abstract and experimental. She also had a talent for writing and fashion design. She moved to New York became the iconic person of the fine arts through her authentic performance. Her art and performance were valued and she influenced soft sculpture scenes : the joint art show with Andy Warhal and Swedish-American sculptor, Claes Oldenbur in early 60s career explains well. What she built and emerged was reset to moved back to Japan which was another turning point in her career. Reestablish herself domestically upon “Back to basic “ was likely to bring her as of today. She still pursue her style and birthing more today. Kusama Yayoi Museum in Bentencho ( in Shinjuku ward ) is where you about to experience her roots and kind world.
A block away from the town of Kagurazaka where is a mixture of Edo and French atmosphere, some Geisha houses and ryotei are known. By walking distance, this dots round pattern building with grass windows stands out of the look of transparency. Built by Japanese architecture and real estate company, Kume Sekkei (久米設計), Yayoi Kusama museum opened in 2017. A tall fifth floor of void atrium style of minimum interior with rounded stairs goes to the top floor. The inside is all dedicated to Yayoi’s retrospective and by seasonally they held the various theme exhibition. On the contrast of the actual building, Yayoi’s works are all intensity with colorful details.
Follow the round stairs, each floor presents vivid and colorful dots and numbers of round patterns: all are Yayoi Kusama’s works and nice contrast with the actual building of non disturbing minimal yet designed for Kusama world. As if it is like a space of a liquid womb where we are all born.
There’s a temporary exhibition is held by season and some installations are participatory style – there’s an installation room called, “Flower Obsession” : visitors are able to select preferred yellow flower sticker to add the flower to the space where is a pop up studio room ( or her ) to fill with vibrant yellow flowers. To gather and put our moments of thoughts as a collaboration with visitors and the artist.
Also the museum holds online art workshops for kids under 12 by monthly basis. It is significant and profound of them to pursue community and social responsibility. I found this is also their own participatory style to communicate with visitors and community.
Location Reference :
Address : 107 Bentencho, Shinjuku, Tokyo Japan 162-0851
