What a Yayoi Kusama Room is really like. And is it worth it?

So if you followed my blog, then you’ve read my past posts back in 2018 and then again in 2019 when we found out that there was one being permanently installed close to us in Toronto.

Kusama is a art form all in herself.

I could go on an on talking about her and her works. My thoughts on her as a person and her art that reflects her is just perfection.

Going into A Kusama Room.

From watching the Hulu Documentary and reading about this woman’s life.

Her story is beyond amazing. A woman from a traditional background in a small town in Japan where it was not condoned by her traditional family to express art in such a form to the point where she was almost shunned by her family. She left to the States to pursue her passion. Which she did. And I might say, quite successfully.

The passion, drive and staying true to ones self really took her to places that most people could ever dream of.

Hanging out in the times of free spirit in New York with the respect and friendship of artists alike such as Andy Warhol.

Yayoi represents freedom. The idea that you can do whatever you want. Regardless of what society, family, or traditions may have conformed us almost to a box some might say.

You could write a whole book about a week of hers and compare it to ones self. I am in absolute awe of her strength and had she not rebel we would not have the art we now all clammer for, having Instagram. But also which I may say. Has stood the test of time.

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Unfortunately from what I’ve read and my interpretation is to be the complete opposite of what Yayoi was set out to do.

Be present.

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Upon our arrival. There was about a line out the door to get tickets.

After entering there were convenient kiosks set up allowing you to

a. Pick a time slot

and 2. Have however many people there were with you to reserve that time as well.

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I drove 6 hours for this. They then will send you a text message letting you know that your 5 minutes away from your turn to be able to go in.

Depending on the size of the location and or museum you need to make sure that you are close by.

You need MUCH more time than that.

We sat above the cafe, had espresso, sparkling water and ten dollar ‘Kusama’ bon bons.

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Grateful to my son. He said, “Mom, maybe we should go sooner.”

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You are allowed 4 people at a time.

As much as art is an experience where you can share with others and mingle and talk.

That’s not what this is.

I wanted my family to experience it for ourselves. Selfishly.

We were lucky enough to do that.

So we enough were in fact, right there as are alarm went off. Another great moment for the times we live in, with technology.

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You WILL only get 90 seconds to be in this room.

We were told this moments before entering.

The demand and craze for Instagram photos and to be seen takes away from what Kusama’s

whole intention is.

Her Art.

Being.

Present.

I had my children turn off their phones. Said. “You have thirty seconds. Experience it.“

They loved it.

Her Art and sculptures, is captivating.

I have no regret going.

It’s something that you have to see for yourself.

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If you take away anything and have any ounce of respect for the craft and to truly understand it. Just take the first 60 seconds to EXPERIENCE it.

Then, and only then.

Take Pictures.

Caitlyn Larkin

5/6/2020