Auckland Art Gallery to become a kaleidescope of colour

Auckland Art Gallery to become a kaleidescope of colour
Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama’s 'The Obliteration Room' is coming to Auckland Art Gallery in December.

Colours of every tone will envelop a stark white room in Auckland Art Gallery’s historic building this summer. Avant-garde Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama is bringing his quirky, hands-on installation to New Zealand from December-April.

Pure white walls, ceiling and furniture wait for participants to cover them in a rainbow of brightly coloured dots. The work is inspired by Kusama’s childhood experience with hallucinations, where spots would cloud her vision. The artist has built on this memory, turning it into a different way of viewing the world.

Kusama’s work has travelled the globe, encouraging people to interact with art rather than simply view it. “The obliteration room makes artists of us all,” says Auckland Art Gallery Director Rhana Devenport. “Moving away from the traditional restrictions of a Gallery space, it encourages everyone to touch, engage and create in an entirely self-directed way.”

Devenport explains that the gallery is honoured to display Kusama’s work. “Kusama was recently named the world’s most popular artist. Her mesmerising paintings, sculptures and installations have entranced people across the globe and it is our pleasure to deliver and share this playful, engaging and creative experience with Aucklanders and visitors to the city alike.”

Kusama has been a prominent figure in the art scene for nearly 70 years, working across the spectrum in painting, collage, installation and design, including a collaboration in 2012 with Louis Vuitton.

The obliteration room is on display at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki from Saturday 9 December to Sunday 2 April from 10-5 daily. Entry is free.

 

 

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