This new Yayoi Kusama's exhibition will soon dominate your Instagram feed

Get your camera ready

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If you’re an active Instagram user, chances are, you would’ve come across countless photos of the Obliteration Room at the National Gallery Singapore. The setup is simple yet unforgettable; coloured round stickers juxtapose the walls and furniture in the white living space.

The creator of this eye-catching installation is influential avant-garde artist Yayoi Kusama, who’ll have a new exhibition come June 9, 2017. Titled Yayoi Kusama Life Is The Heart Of A Rainbow, this new exhibition will also be located at the National Gallery Singapore.

Featuring over 120 magnificent and eye-popping artworks, the upcoming display is Kusama’s biggest yet. And there are lots of interesting things to look forward to: from her past and present works (that date all the way back to the 1950s) to signature installations and never-before-seen paintings.

Scroll through our gallery to check out some of the most Instagrammable pieces and installations to look out for during your visit. Get your camera ready.

Photos: Hayden Ng. Shot using Sony A7S

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The Spirits of the Pumpkins Descended into the Heavens

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This room combines Kusama’s obsession with both the pumpkin and polka dots. In case you’re wondering why is Kusama so obsessed with pumpkins, that’s because she grew up in a plant nursery when she was a child. The pumpkin then became a recurring inspiration for many of her artworks.

Her obsession with dots began when she experienced hallucinations in her childhood. She told The Wall Street Journal that during these hallucinations, she saw “flashes of light, auras or dense fields of dots.” This would later become a recurring theme in her pieces too.  

Located at Gallery A.

Photo: Hayden Ng. Shot using Sony A7S

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Narcissus Garden

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This installation was first created in 1966 and displayed in the grounds of the 33rd Venice Biennale (even though she wasn’t a participating artist).

It tells Kusama’s desire for making art relatable and accessible to daily life, breaking the limitations of it being reserved for the wealthy.

A total of 1,500 stainless steel balls occupy the room here.

Located at the City Hall Chamber.

Photo: Hayden Ng. Shot using Sony A7S

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Song of a Manhattan Suicide Addict

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At this video installation, you’ll get to hear Kusama sing her original song, documenting her struggle with depression.

Despite her mental disorder, it's clear that Kusama’s passion for creating art is an undying one.

Located at Gallery B.

Photo: Hayden Ng. Shot using Sony A7S

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With All My Love for the Tulips, I Pray Forever

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Don’t be mistaken by the similarity between this installation and Kusama’s Obliteration Room display for the Children’s Biennale.

Here, large tulip sculptures are littered with psychedelic dots to mimic the hallucinations that Kusama had when she was a child.

Located at Gallery C.

Photo: Hayden Ng. Shot using Sony A7S

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Infinity Mirrored Room - Gleaming Lights of the Souls

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Step into this dark room and get ready to be surrounded by countless round LED lights that are suspended from the ceiling.

The effect is a rather calming experience; and as the softly-lit bulbs switch from one colour to another, get your phone ready for a Boomerang shot or to film some Instagram stories.

Located at Gallery B.

Photo: National Gallery Singapore

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While you’re there, also check out the exhibition merchandise

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Wish to bring a piece of Kusama home with you?

Then head to Gallery and Co. to shop for postcards, enamel pins, cups, bowls, umbrellas and even socks that sport the Japanese artist’s famous works.  

Available at Gallery & Co and galleryand.co.

Photo: Gallery and Co.

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Also, have a taste of Kusama-inspired delights

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At Aura and Gallery and Co., the chefs have come up with their own interpretation on Kusama’s works. Expect Kusama-inspired cocktails, desserts and main dishes that promise to be equally creative and visually appeasing.

They'll look great on your Instagram pictures too!

Aura is located at #05-03/06-02 National Gallery Singapore. Gallery and Co. is located at #01-17 National Gallery Singapore.

Photo: Gallery and Co.

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