This past weekend I visited Yayoi Kusama's "Love is Calling" infinity room at the ICA (Institute of Contemporary Art) here in Boston.
In case you're not familiar, Yayoi Kusama is a Japanese artist who has been creating mirrored infinity rooms since the 1960s. The experience of being in an infinity room is definitely reminiscent of a fun house mirror room — but with lots of extra visual stimulation. In "Love is Calling" the extra stimulation comes from polka-dotted plastic stalagmites and stalactites.
In the room, there is a recording of Yayoi Kusama reciting a poem in Japanese. This is a translation of that poem:
Even with a timed ticket, you have to wait in line for a while…
…and then they open the door to the big white box and it seems like a magical world inside!
I've had the good fortune to visit a few other Kusama installations.
To me, I both love and hate these installations.
I love them because they make me happy. It's impossible not to smile and feel playful in that kind of funhouse environment.
I hate them because (a) they're just all about "getting the photo" and (b) there's a strict time limit (30-120 seconds, depending on the piece) on how long you can spend in the installation.
I have literally never seen anyone in a Kusama installation not taking photos — myself included. And I understand the time limit — there's always a wait. But, can you really experience something meaningful in so brief a period of time?
What do you think? Have you visited a Yayoi Kusama installation before?
Thanks for stopping by!
My sister and I visited the Kusama exhibit of infinity rooms at the AGO (Art Gallery of Ontario) two years ago. They have since purchased a room which is now a permanent exhibit.
I also purchased the biographic film Kusama:Infinity, which gives the viewer much more information about her early influences, and many challenges. It’s a wonderful and poignant film (I won’t give anything away for those who don’t know her).
My sister and I visited the Kusama exhibit of infinity rooms at the AGO (Art Gallery of Ontario) two years ago. They have since purchased a room which is now a permanent exhibit.
I also purchased the biographic film Kusama:Infinity, which gives the viewer much more information about her early influences, and many challenges. It’s a wonderful and poignant film (I won’t give anything away for those who don’t know her).
My sister and I visited the Kusama exhibit of infinity rooms at the AGO (Art Gallery of Ontario) two years ago. They have since purchased a room which is now a permanent exhibit.
I also purchased the biographic film Kusama:Infinity, which gives the viewer much more information about her early influences, and many challenges. It’s a wonderful and poignant film (I won’t give anything away for those who don’t know her).
My sister and I visited the Kusama exhibit of infinity rooms at the AGO (Art Gallery of Ontario) two years ago. They have since purchased a room which is now a permanent exhibit.
I also purchased the biographic film Kusama:Infinity, which gives the viewer much more information about her early influences, and many challenges. It’s a wonderful and poignant film (I won’t give anything away for those who don’t know her).
My sister and I visited the Kusama exhibit of infinity rooms at the AGO (Art Gallery of Ontario) two years ago. They have since purchased a room which is now a permanent exhibit.
I also purchased the biographic film Kusama:Infinity, which gives the viewer much more information about her early influences, and many challenges. It’s a wonderful and poignant film (I won’t give anything away for those who don’t know her).
My sister and I visited the Kusama exhibit of infinity rooms at the AGO (Art Gallery of Ontario) two years ago. They have since purchased a room which is now a permanent exhibit.
I also purchased the biographic film Kusama:Infinity, which gives the viewer much more information about her early influences, and many challenges. It’s a wonderful and poignant film (I won’t give anything away for those who don’t know her).
My sister and I visited the Kusama exhibit of infinity rooms at the AGO (Art Gallery of Ontario) two years ago. They have since purchased a room which is now a permanent exhibit.
I also purchased the biographic film Kusama:Infinity, which gives the viewer much more information about her early influences, and many challenges. It’s a wonderful and poignant film (I won’t give anything away for those who don’t know her).
I Love her work and her story. I love those photos of you in amongst them. I have never been to one of her exhibitions and really want to. Such a shame there is such a limit on time to experience them as they are so meditational. Thanks for taking us with you.
I Love her work and her story. I love those photos of you in amongst them. I have never been to one of her exhibitions and really want to. Such a shame there is such a limit on time to experience them as they are so meditational. Thanks for taking us with you.
I Love her work and her story. I love those photos of you in amongst them. I have never been to one of her exhibitions and really want to. Such a shame there is such a limit on time to experience them as they are so meditational. Thanks for taking us with you.
I Love her work and her story. I love those photos of you in amongst them. I have never been to one of her exhibitions and really want to. Such a shame there is such a limit on time to experience them as they are so meditational. Thanks for taking us with you.
I Love her work and her story. I love those photos of you in amongst them. I have never been to one of her exhibitions and really want to. Such a shame there is such a limit on time to experience them as they are so meditational. Thanks for taking us with you.
I Love her work and her story. I love those photos of you in amongst them. I have never been to one of her exhibitions and really want to. Such a shame there is such a limit on time to experience them as they are so meditational. Thanks for taking us with you.
I Love her work and her story. I love those photos of you in amongst them. I have never been to one of her exhibitions and really want to. Such a shame there is such a limit on time to experience them as they are so meditational. Thanks for taking us with you.
Totally agree about the time limits. I was lucky to visit a Kusama Exhibit in 2018 when it was in Cleveland. My eyes would adjust to the darkness just as the door opened again and we were ordered out. Maybe the lighting in the outer rooms should have been darker. The time limits spoiled the experience, but on the other hand, without them people would never leave.
Totally agree about the time limits. I was lucky to visit a Kusama Exhibit in 2018 when it was in Cleveland. My eyes would adjust to the darkness just as the door opened again and we were ordered out. Maybe the lighting in the outer rooms should have been darker. The time limits spoiled the experience, but on the other hand, without them people would never leave.
Totally agree about the time limits. I was lucky to visit a Kusama Exhibit in 2018 when it was in Cleveland. My eyes would adjust to the darkness just as the door opened again and we were ordered out. Maybe the lighting in the outer rooms should have been darker. The time limits spoiled the experience, but on the other hand, without them people would never leave.
Totally agree about the time limits. I was lucky to visit a Kusama Exhibit in 2018 when it was in Cleveland. My eyes would adjust to the darkness just as the door opened again and we were ordered out. Maybe the lighting in the outer rooms should have been darker. The time limits spoiled the experience, but on the other hand, without them people would never leave.
Totally agree about the time limits. I was lucky to visit a Kusama Exhibit in 2018 when it was in Cleveland. My eyes would adjust to the darkness just as the door opened again and we were ordered out. Maybe the lighting in the outer rooms should have been darker. The time limits spoiled the experience, but on the other hand, without them people would never leave.
Totally agree about the time limits. I was lucky to visit a Kusama Exhibit in 2018 when it was in Cleveland. My eyes would adjust to the darkness just as the door opened again and we were ordered out. Maybe the lighting in the outer rooms should have been darker. The time limits spoiled the experience, but on the other hand, without them people would never leave.
Totally agree about the time limits. I was lucky to visit a Kusama Exhibit in 2018 when it was in Cleveland. My eyes would adjust to the darkness just as the door opened again and we were ordered out. Maybe the lighting in the outer rooms should have been darker. The time limits spoiled the experience, but on the other hand, without them people would never leave.
Wish I had seen this at the AGO when it was here. Can hardly concentrate on the art, so loving your marimekko dress! One day I will own one…
Wish I had seen this at the AGO when it was here. Can hardly concentrate on the art, so loving your marimekko dress! One day I will own one…
Wish I had seen this at the AGO when it was here. Can hardly concentrate on the art, so loving your marimekko dress! One day I will own one…
Wish I had seen this at the AGO when it was here. Can hardly concentrate on the art, so loving your marimekko dress! One day I will own one…
Wish I had seen this at the AGO when it was here. Can hardly concentrate on the art, so loving your marimekko dress! One day I will own one…
Wish I had seen this at the AGO when it was here. Can hardly concentrate on the art, so loving your marimekko dress! One day I will own one…
Wish I had seen this at the AGO when it was here. Can hardly concentrate on the art, so loving your marimekko dress! One day I will own one…
You are dressed to be part of the exhibit!
You are dressed to be part of the exhibit!
You are dressed to be part of the exhibit!
You are dressed to be part of the exhibit!
You are dressed to be part of the exhibit!
You are dressed to be part of the exhibit!
You are dressed to be part of the exhibit!
I also felt you dressed the pART. Thanks for sharing.
I also felt you dressed the pART. Thanks for sharing.
I also felt you dressed the pART. Thanks for sharing.
I also felt you dressed the pART. Thanks for sharing.
I also felt you dressed the pART. Thanks for sharing.
I also felt you dressed the pART. Thanks for sharing.
I also felt you dressed the pART. Thanks for sharing.
I saw the Infinity Mirrors Exhibit two summers ago at the Seattle Art Museum. It thought it was really cool and interesting to be in the art. I liked the room that people added dots to; no one could have the same experience because the art changed with each visitor.
I like that Kusama exhibits are immersive, but I agree that the 30-60 seconds kind of makes it hard to fully absorb and appreciate. On the other hand, maybe your instinctive, gut, gaspy reaction to the experience is what Kusama wants you to leave with. If you had more time, you might lose that. All I know is I would see another of her exhibits in a second.
p.s. You look adorable. I hope you’re feeling well.
I saw the Infinity Mirrors Exhibit two summers ago at the Seattle Art Museum. It thought it was really cool and interesting to be in the art. I liked the room that people added dots to; no one could have the same experience because the art changed with each visitor.
I like that Kusama exhibits are immersive, but I agree that the 30-60 seconds kind of makes it hard to fully absorb and appreciate. On the other hand, maybe your instinctive, gut, gaspy reaction to the experience is what Kusama wants you to leave with. If you had more time, you might lose that. All I know is I would see another of her exhibits in a second.
p.s. You look adorable. I hope you’re feeling well.
I saw the Infinity Mirrors Exhibit two summers ago at the Seattle Art Museum. It thought it was really cool and interesting to be in the art. I liked the room that people added dots to; no one could have the same experience because the art changed with each visitor.
I like that Kusama exhibits are immersive, but I agree that the 30-60 seconds kind of makes it hard to fully absorb and appreciate. On the other hand, maybe your instinctive, gut, gaspy reaction to the experience is what Kusama wants you to leave with. If you had more time, you might lose that. All I know is I would see another of her exhibits in a second.
p.s. You look adorable. I hope you’re feeling well.
I saw the Infinity Mirrors Exhibit two summers ago at the Seattle Art Museum. It thought it was really cool and interesting to be in the art. I liked the room that people added dots to; no one could have the same experience because the art changed with each visitor.
I like that Kusama exhibits are immersive, but I agree that the 30-60 seconds kind of makes it hard to fully absorb and appreciate. On the other hand, maybe your instinctive, gut, gaspy reaction to the experience is what Kusama wants you to leave with. If you had more time, you might lose that. All I know is I would see another of her exhibits in a second.
p.s. You look adorable. I hope you’re feeling well.
I saw the Infinity Mirrors Exhibit two summers ago at the Seattle Art Museum. It thought it was really cool and interesting to be in the art. I liked the room that people added dots to; no one could have the same experience because the art changed with each visitor.
I like that Kusama exhibits are immersive, but I agree that the 30-60 seconds kind of makes it hard to fully absorb and appreciate. On the other hand, maybe your instinctive, gut, gaspy reaction to the experience is what Kusama wants you to leave with. If you had more time, you might lose that. All I know is I would see another of her exhibits in a second.
p.s. You look adorable. I hope you’re feeling well.
I saw the Infinity Mirrors Exhibit two summers ago at the Seattle Art Museum. It thought it was really cool and interesting to be in the art. I liked the room that people added dots to; no one could have the same experience because the art changed with each visitor.
I like that Kusama exhibits are immersive, but I agree that the 30-60 seconds kind of makes it hard to fully absorb and appreciate. On the other hand, maybe your instinctive, gut, gaspy reaction to the experience is what Kusama wants you to leave with. If you had more time, you might lose that. All I know is I would see another of her exhibits in a second.
p.s. You look adorable. I hope you’re feeling well.
I saw the Infinity Mirrors Exhibit two summers ago at the Seattle Art Museum. It thought it was really cool and interesting to be in the art. I liked the room that people added dots to; no one could have the same experience because the art changed with each visitor.
I like that Kusama exhibits are immersive, but I agree that the 30-60 seconds kind of makes it hard to fully absorb and appreciate. On the other hand, maybe your instinctive, gut, gaspy reaction to the experience is what Kusama wants you to leave with. If you had more time, you might lose that. All I know is I would see another of her exhibits in a second.
p.s. You look adorable. I hope you’re feeling well.
OMG, you are sooo cute!!! Love your dress and how you work in these installations. Thank you for the photos. Love you!!!!
OMG, you are sooo cute!!! Love your dress and how you work in these installations. Thank you for the photos. Love you!!!!
OMG, you are sooo cute!!! Love your dress and how you work in these installations. Thank you for the photos. Love you!!!!
OMG, you are sooo cute!!! Love your dress and how you work in these installations. Thank you for the photos. Love you!!!!
OMG, you are sooo cute!!! Love your dress and how you work in these installations. Thank you for the photos. Love you!!!!
OMG, you are sooo cute!!! Love your dress and how you work in these installations. Thank you for the photos. Love you!!!!
OMG, you are sooo cute!!! Love your dress and how you work in these installations. Thank you for the photos. Love you!!!!
I was in a Kusama infinity box at a NYC gallery many years ago. One person at a time. It was before the days of selfies. I stood in awe of the cosmic light display. In the present day, I won’t allow myself to use my phone at an art exhibit that means something to me, and find fellow visitors who crowd around pictures taking selfies to be disturbing of the art experience.
I was in a Kusama infinity box at a NYC gallery many years ago. One person at a time. It was before the days of selfies. I stood in awe of the cosmic light display. In the present day, I won’t allow myself to use my phone at an art exhibit that means something to me, and find fellow visitors who crowd around pictures taking selfies to be disturbing of the art experience.
I was in a Kusama infinity box at a NYC gallery many years ago. One person at a time. It was before the days of selfies. I stood in awe of the cosmic light display. In the present day, I won’t allow myself to use my phone at an art exhibit that means something to me, and find fellow visitors who crowd around pictures taking selfies to be disturbing of the art experience.
I was in a Kusama infinity box at a NYC gallery many years ago. One person at a time. It was before the days of selfies. I stood in awe of the cosmic light display. In the present day, I won’t allow myself to use my phone at an art exhibit that means something to me, and find fellow visitors who crowd around pictures taking selfies to be disturbing of the art experience.
I was in a Kusama infinity box at a NYC gallery many years ago. One person at a time. It was before the days of selfies. I stood in awe of the cosmic light display. In the present day, I won’t allow myself to use my phone at an art exhibit that means something to me, and find fellow visitors who crowd around pictures taking selfies to be disturbing of the art experience.
I was in a Kusama infinity box at a NYC gallery many years ago. One person at a time. It was before the days of selfies. I stood in awe of the cosmic light display. In the present day, I won’t allow myself to use my phone at an art exhibit that means something to me, and find fellow visitors who crowd around pictures taking selfies to be disturbing of the art experience.
I was in a Kusama infinity box at a NYC gallery many years ago. One person at a time. It was before the days of selfies. I stood in awe of the cosmic light display. In the present day, I won’t allow myself to use my phone at an art exhibit that means something to me, and find fellow visitors who crowd around pictures taking selfies to be disturbing of the art experience.
Its a different art experience when its about sharing the experience.
Its a different art experience when its about sharing the experience.
Its a different art experience when its about sharing the experience.
Its a different art experience when its about sharing the experience.
Its a different art experience when its about sharing the experience.
Its a different art experience when its about sharing the experience.
Its a different art experience when its about sharing the experience.