LOVE IS CALLING

LOVE IS CALLING, 2013 – Yayoi Kusama

“LOVE IS CALLING” is an immersive installation by renowned Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, created in 2013. This captivating work is part of her famous Infinity Mirror Rooms series and exemplifies her signature use of repetitive patterns, vibrant colors, and reflective surfaces to evoke a sense of endless space.

Upon entering “LOVE IS CALLING,” visitors step into a dark, mirrored room filled with inflatable, tentacle-like forms that extend from the floor and ceiling. These soft sculptures are covered in Kusama’s iconic polka dots and pulsate with a dynamic, shifting palette of colors, ranging from neon greens and pinks to deep blues and purples. The mirrored walls create an illusion of infinite space, as the colorful, dotted tentacles seem to stretch out endlessly in all directions, surrounding the viewer in a surreal, otherworldly environment.

Accompanying the visual spectacle is an audio component: Kusama’s voice reciting a love poem in Japanese. The poem, whose title translates to Residing in a Castle of Shed Tears in English and was written by the artist herself, reflects her contemplations on love, existence, and the cosmos, adding an introspective and emotional layer to the sensory experience.

“LOVE IS CALLING” is a powerful manifestation of Kusama’s lifelong exploration of themes such as infinity, self-obliteration, and the sublime beauty of the universe. It invites viewers to lose themselves in a meditative, dreamlike state, fostering a profound connection between the artwork, the artist, and the audience.

 

About Yayoi Kusama

Yayoi Kusama, born on March 22, 1929, in Matsumoto, Japan, is a celebrated contemporary artist known for her polka dots and “infinity nets.” Struggling with hallucinations and obsessive thoughts since childhood, she channeled these experiences into her art. Moving to New York City in 1957, she became a key figure in the pop art, minimalism, and feminist art movements. Kusama’s work spans painting, sculpture, and installations, earning her international acclaim. Today, she is recognized as one of the most influential artists of her time.