This makes me feel Connected
Yayoi Kusama’s Obliteration Room
The Obliteration Room was first exhibited in 2002 at the Queensland Art Gallery and has remained one of Yayoi Kusama’s most famous installations, even after 20 years. The installation features a stark white room filled with plain white tables, chairs, couches, and shelves. Initially, the bare room may be shocking to visitors, but they are […]
The Obliteration Room was first exhibited in 2002 at the Queensland Art Gallery and has remained one of Yayoi Kusama’s most famous installations, even after 20 years. The installation features a stark white room filled with plain white tables, chairs, couches, and shelves. Initially, the bare room may be shocking to visitors, but they are given a sheet of polka dot stickers and encouraged to stick them wherever they’d like in the space. By the end of the exhibition, every inch is adorned with bright colors, and the original space is practically unrecognizable.
Contributor notes
What is surprising, refreshing, most interesting?
I believe what makes this installation so interesting is that Kusama created it as a response to her upbringing and childhood experiences. Polka dots have become her signature, and although they may appear fun and lighthearted to the public, they hold deep personal significance for Kusama. Growing up in a highly restricted environment, she would imagine dots covering everything, eventually becoming overwhelming. She transformed this memory into a participatory experience for everyone.
Key Insights? What can we learn from this?
This experience demonstrates that people desire to be actively engaged in the process of art creation. While museums are often spaces for observation, there are times when individuals seek participation. Viewers are excited about participating in the arts and contributing to communal creation.