In an increasingly technology-forward world, everyone from businesspeople to artists must embrace an advanced interconnectedness previously unseen in history. Japanese contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama is all too aware of these changes, since she’s been creating art for seven decades — starting well before social media took the spotlight on ways to share and communicate.
Kusama’s extensive body of work, which is currently on display as a special exhibition at National Gallery Singapore, spans 70 years. The artist has been creating art since she was 18 years old, and has shown no signs of stopping. She knows how important it is to continue to create and adapt, which means she has no problem with social media, even saying she loves it when people show and share her work across all the social media platforms available. Indeed, a majority of her work makes for impressive social media posts, including her signature infinity mirror rooms. However, mixing art and technology comes at a high price, sometimes — in a wildly popular showing of her work in the United States, an overeager fan lost their balance while taking a selfie with one of Kusama’s highly recognizable spotted pumpkins and fell, smashing the masterpiece.
Still, for an artist at 88 years old, Kusama is remarkably adaptable, her body of work changing based on her life experiences and the world going on around her. Guests to National Gallery Singapore will be able to view her lauded infinity mirror rooms, examine her signature spotted pumpkins, and enjoy installation after installation in the museum itself and on the grounds. Kusama helped install polka dots on the trees planted alongside the road leading to National Gallery Singapore.
In spite of any setbacks cellphones and social media might have caused, Kusama still has a message of love for anyone attending her show at National Gallery Singapore and Singaporeans in general. She encourages everyone to find beauty in their lives and embrace the infinite mystery and wonderment of the universe. She is poised to celebrate Singapore’s diversity and her art will likely fit right in, dazzling crowds of visitors from all walks of life.
Embrace the beauty in your own life by signing up for an art class today. Visit SGArtClass.com to begin your creative journey. SGArtClass.com is a comprehensive website that includes everything from art articles and discounted art supplies for sale, to a plethora of art classes anyone can enroll in. It doesn’t matter if you’re a businessperson who has zero artistic background or if you’re looking to engage your child over the summer months with another learning experience. Expert teachers are on hand to make sure you learn the skills necessary to complete the projects you’re most passionate about. From classes in watercolor painting and oil painting to lessons in comic drawing and fashion drawing, there is sure to be a class for everyone.
To read more about the art and viewpoints of Yayoi Kusama, go to http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/lifestyle/spreading-art-through-social-media-japanese-artist-yayoi-kusama-8921484.