Yayoi Kusama

Abstract

"Recognized as one of contemporary art's most influential figures, Yayoi Kusama has gained cult status through her exploration of repetitive patterns and structures-- especially her signature polka dots and mirror rooms, which immerse viewers in seemingly infinite worlds. This catalogue, accompanying Kusama's retrospective in Riehen/Basel, Cologne, and Amsterdam, showcases the broad spectrum of media she has engaged with over the years, spanning painting, sculpture, installations, drawing, collage, happenings, live performances, fashion, and literature. Organized in close collaboration with the artist and her studio, the exhibition provides a comprehensive overview of Kusama's more than seven- decade career. In addition to some of her most iconic works, exhibition and catalogue include early pieces never before seen in Europe, as well as new productions." -- Hatje Cantz website (viewed March 24, 2026).

Contents

Directors' foreword / Sam Keller, Yilmaz Dziewior, Rein Wolfs -- Footprints of the universe. An introduction / Leontine Coelewij, Stephan Diederich, Mouna Mekouar -- Works,1934-1957, Japan -- Like a plant / Stefano Mancuso -- I have seen the big bang. It looks like polka dots. / Katie Mack -- Portraits of the artist: Yayoi Kusama performing for the camera / SooJin Lee -- Works, 1958-1969, United States and Europe -- Yayoi Kusama, or the metamorphosis of fashion / Emanuele Coccia -- Accumulation, obliteration, and nudity merging with hippie counterculture: Yayoi Kusama's sociopolitical happenings / Helen Westgeest -- The virtual within reality: immersion, perception, embodiment, and the art of Yayoi Kusama / Agata Marta Soccini -- Works, 1972-2008, Japan -- Kusama lit: outlasting the devil / Ralph McCarthy -- Struggle and wanderings of my soul (excerpt) / Yayoi Kusama -- Poems: a selection / Yayoi Kusama -- Works, 2009-ongoing, Japan -- Exhibited works.