Why’d They Put That In A Museum?
Show Notes
Artist: Yayoi Kusama (b. 1929)
Item: Infinity Mirrored Room–The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away, 2013
Details: Wood, metal, glass mirrors, plastic, acrylic panel, rubber, LED lighting system, acrylic balls, and water, 113 ¼ x 163 ½ x 163 ½ in. (Broad Los Angeles)
Yayoi Kusama, Infinity Mirror Room (Pt. 1)
This episode of “Why They Put That in the Museum,” is the second part of a 2-part series about the international sensation Yayoi Kusama. Hosts Sarah Lee and Beth Bacon discuss Yayoi Kusama’s path from being a largely ignored activist artist in her early career to becoming a globally recognized figure by the 1990s. How did she make this change? Listen and find out. With a focus on the work, “Infinity Mirror Rooms,” at the Broad Museum, they discuss the broader themes of artistic resistance and commercialization, as well as the use of contemporary art to challenge societal norms. Sarah and Beth talk about the creation of exclusive viewing experiences that drive public interest. Today, Yayoi Kusama is a prolific and influential Japanese artist. Her work spans various media, including large-scale “Infinity Mirror Rooms.” Her whimsical and playful art makes Kusama an internet darling. Her bright colors and interactive pieces are easily accessible. Listen to this episode to find the depth beyond the bright lights, patterns, and colors of Yayoi Kusama.
Contact Us
Say helloAbout the Podcasters
Sarah Lees
Sarah is a museum curator and researcher who has worked in organizations both large and small, and who remembers her first assignment for an art history class – to look into Rembrandt’s eyes and describe what she saw there. She believes everyone can find those kinds of connections to some form of creative expression, whether it’s a painting, a grandmother’s quilt, or a perfectly formed pen-stroke in a manuscript.
Beth Bacon
In addition to being an avid museum-goer, Beth Bacon is an author for young readers. Her books empower today’s kids to learn about themselves and the world through reading. She is also a teacher and branding consultant and a volunteer at the Missouri History Museum. Beth holds an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts, an MA in Communication Arts from NYU, and a BA in Literature from Harvard University.
Music Credit
The music you hear in the intro and outro was composed by Edward Whelan. We appreciate his contribution to our podcast.