Yayoi Kusama's "Let's Survive Forever" Infinity Mirrored Room at the AGO

I love this image of myself, and my iPhone, reflected in Kusama’s piece.

Yayoi Kusama is a fascinating artist who is enjoying a great deal of success late in her life. She hits a sweet spot: compelling backstory, an eccentric and vulnerable persona, under-appreciated, with art that feels weirdly familiar.

This piece is shiny and reflective, it forces me to look at myself. It is difficult to photograph without showing me interacting (with a happy grin).

I first saw one of these rooms at the Broad Museum in LA, but didn’t want to join the very long line to get in. I never have seen that piece in any of my visits (now they have two) but I hope to eventually.

The AGO has a sensible system of signing up on an iPad for a time window so one doesn’t have to wait for more than a few minutes. On the down side, they really won’t let you in alone. Sometimes you are in this contemplative, sublime, personal experience with strangers (on my second view, the strangers were a pair of lovely art enthusiasts so that tempered my disappointment).

This is at the AGO indefinitely, you should go see it! Details here.

Seeing the piece with my husband and my mother—it looks like blocking for a play. This image is deceptive because instead of being spread out, the piece surrounds the viewer. I will try to figure out a 360 view but this gives an idea of the relative size of the balls and how they pull you into mini worlds.