The intention behind artwork varies by artist. It could be something as simple as following a passion or confronting a fear.
An example of an artist following the latter is Yayoi Kusama, a Japanese contemporary artist known for her copious use of polka dots in her art and infinity installations. According to QAGOMA, “the [objects covered] in polka dots linked the anxiety to her childhood trauma, so the work can also be read as a means of therapy.”
The practice of positive outlets such as art in the face of something as debilitating as childhood trauma can help others seek better coping mechanisms and spark inspiration in others that have experienced similar situations.
She also uses the repeated polka dot patterns to promote controversial ideas, such as antiwar, anti-establishment and free-love, especially in events called the Happenings.
Much more recent pieces of hers can be viewed this month; her new floral sculptures are in the New York Botanical Garden, called ‘Cosmic Nature.’ These pieces took three years to finish and are a manifestation of her lifelong fascination for the natural world.
She expands on her “concepts of obliteration, infinity, and eternity, [which are] inspired by her intimate engagement with the colors, patterns, and life cycles of plants and flowers,” says one NYBG article.
A very note-worthy piece in this garden would be the “Narcissus Garden,” which is a recreation of an old piece of hers that depicts self-importance and pretentiousness.
Yayoi Kusama’s popularity isn’t limited to art culture, especially among the younger generation. This is credited to how her art doesn’t shy from depicting reality and its problems, connecting well to the experiences of many youth in society today and bringing taboos to the forefront.
Article by Rio Gutierrez of John F. Kennedy High SchoolPhoto courtesy of SH Kim via Pixabay