Art is one of those adult things that most of us wish we understood right away. Many of us long to be the people that can walk around a museum for hours, get inspired and have exhaustingly deep conversations about the manmade wonders that lay before our eyes. Unfortunately, the truth is that art is too damn subjective and being raptured into the mind of any given artist is harder than most of us have patience for. So with all that being said, imagine my excitement and deep soul pleasure when I found myself sitting in front of a painting by the insanely talented Yayoi Kusama. Without any true effort of my own, my heart sang and stomach leaped when a simple but victorious thought popped into my head, "I get it!"
Kusama's motivation to create art comes from an intense compelling need which was consequently an act of defiance. Works that became activism, confrontations of past hurt and hallucinations of her mind's eye. She purposely creates art that wants to trick your mind into thinking there is no end and no beginning. Once you've entered a room or sat in front of a painting you are no longer a viewer but you are an active part of her creation. You become her creation.
Throughout the exhibit at the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, there were multiple videos and quotes by Kusama displayed everywhere. In one particular video display area there was this quote, "When I am standing in front of a canvas. There is nothing in my head. My hands just move." As I watched the clip of her working, I couldn't help but think, "I wish I could get lost in my craft that way." Lost in a ridiculous cycle of discipline (she maintains creative studio hours where she clocks in and creates between a certain time everyday) and hallucinogenic creation.
Needless to say, this was a day well spent.
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