Yayoi Kusama was an underdog with everything stacked against her: the trauma of growing up in Japan during World War II, life in a dysfunctional family, sexism and racism in the art establishment, mental illness in a culture where that was shameful. In spite of it all, she has created a legacy that spans painting, sculpture, installation art, performance art, poetry, and literary fiction. She is now the top-selling female artist in the entire world. 2018, USA, 76 minutes
Streaming online. Start viewing anytime from 5:00 to 8:00 on Friday, May 8. At 9:30 there will be a discussion about the film, led by Kristi Zea, director of Everybody Knows … Elizabeth Murray, a film about another great abstract artist. Ticket buyers will be emailed a link and password on the day of the streaming.
Tickets: $5, and $2 for members, available soon!
COMMUNITY PARTNERS: Rockland Center for the Arts and Edward Hopper House. Members of those art centers receive the member discount.
“Makes a convincing case that the art world and the general public are still catching up with the influence of Yayoi Kusama, the painter, sculptor and performance artist perhaps most widely known for her mirrored “Infinity” rooms. . . .Provides ample, illuminating access to an artist’s way of thinking and working.” — Ben Kenigsberg, The New York Times
“Fascinating and inspiring. A genuinely felt portrait of the artist as a dedicated survivor, ever in service to her vision of the world and fighting for her place in it.” — Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times
“Unspools like an intimate conversation. The takeaway is deeply human understanding of the untidy inner life of one of international culture’s biggest stars.” — Shana Nys Dambrot, LA Weekly
“At the height of Kusama hysteria in Toronto, the film will make highly informative viewing both for those who get it — and for those who don’t.” — Kate Taylor, Globe and Mail
“An entertaining account of one of modern art’s most unlikely success stories. Kusama: Infinity presents a creative life that is worth exploring, even by those who’ve been scared away by the crowds.” — John DeFore, Hollywood Reporter
