Infinity Net: The Autobiography of Yayoi Kusama

I love this book. Easy reading. I love Yayoi kusuma

Japanese avant-garde artist, sculptor, and novelist Yayoi Kusama begins her memoir with the Yokohma 2001 International Triennale of Contemporary Art exhibition in which she showcased two installations. She then goes back in time to 1957 when she left Japan to further her career in art in America at the age of 27: ‘my destiny was decided’ in New York. After an initial struggle, she became a successful artist, noted for her ‘net’ art and later for her polka dots and ‘Kusama Happenings’ in the 1960s. She painted the same thing every day: black canvases covered with nothing but nets, which looked like white lace. She describes her obsessive repetitive patterns and her ‘severe neurosis’ stemming from a ‘toxic childhood.’ She says that ‘before and after creating a work I fell ill, menaced by obsessions that crawl through my body.’ She suffered hallucinations, asthma, arrhythmia, tachycardia, and high and low blood pressure due to her severe anxieties. ‘If it were not for art, I would have killed myself a long time ago.’ Kusama’s autobiography describes her thoughts behind her artwork, how they developed, and why she focussed on specific themes. It provides readers with a full understanding behind her as an iconic figure and her iconic art. She is exceptionally honest and open about her mental anguish, but also about how she fully comprehends the triggers and how she deals with her demons – initially personally and later with the assistance of professional psychiatrists when she checked herself into a psychiatric hospital. Writing her autobiography in 2001 at 72 years of age, she is now 87, living in the psychiatric hospital, and still painting. This is a fascinating autobiography. This is more than a description of her artwork. It is an in-depth private view of her imagination and creativity, and the neuroses that drives her art as a way to exterminate her fears. ‘The positive and negative become one and consolidate my expression.’ She defines her work as Psychosomatic Art. Kusama finishes her autobiography in 2001 in a reflective, calm state of mind, content to continue her art – because she needs to, because she has to, because she wants to, and because it keeps her alive.

A most enjoyable read, a mind opener about Kusama and how it is reflected in her art. Taboos of the time are approached without complexes.

She is honest and creative in every way. Her autobiography is astonishing in depth of who she is. I’ve loved her art for many years, now I love her visions, poetry and drive forward at the same time remaining in her mind. If you’re a fan ( as I am) it’s a must read!

Yayoi Kusama is an amazing artist and storyteller. This book is her memoir of her life in art. Growing up in Japan, she wanted to be an artist, but was discouraged by her mother. She left Japan for the United States in her twenties and she became apart of the New York art scene during the 1950s and 1960s. She became known for both her abstract art as well as her performance art. In the 1970's she returned to Japan and eventually entered a psychiatric hospital where she has spent the rest of her days. She has a studio across the street where she creates her art. Since returning to Japan, she has also been writing and publishing novels. She turned 90 in March 22, 2019. In the last 10 years her 10 top selling works of art ranged from 2 million dollars to 7 million. All but two of these were created in the fifties and sixties. She is one of the few artists who has lived long enough to see the value of her art rise in price.

Wonderful. Would of liked it to be much more longer and in-depth because I really want to get to know her. Overall, wonderful book and a great way to see the evolution of a artist.

All brand new and in great condition. No delays or later wait for delivery. A great book for research for art history class.

The translator needs an editor because there are so many spelling mistakes in this book. They just spelled analyzing “analy-sing.” I had to put the book down and come write this review after that one.

ottimo anche usato

A must read for any Kusama fan! A very raw and honest autobiography. It was interesting to read her thoughts and struggles with her Japanese heritage and the cultural attitudes both in America and Japan. Her story made me realize just how ahead of her time she actually was, I never knew she was such an influential activist. Now I want to read more of her writings.

empfehlung

Great autobiography, Yayoi Kusama is a fascinating person and it tells perfectly her story and life in a very easy way to read.

Being herself!! Not afraid, not bothered... amazingly and bravely telling her story loved her more after reading this book ^^