Introduction

Flowers A/B/C each feature a unique, highly stylized floral composition. The images are characterized by dense, intricate patterns that form the petals and leaves, set against a background also covered in fine net-patterns or polka dots. The compositions are vibrant and visually intense, designed to overwhelm the viewer with pattern and color.

The “Flowers” motif is a cornerstone of Kusama’s artistic expression, deeply rooted in her experiences with mental illness. The prints explore several themes core to Kusama’s practice. The repetitive act of depicting flowers is a therapeutic process for Kusama, a way to reclaim control over childhood hallucinations where flowers seemed to proliferate and “obliterate” her vision. Flowers also symbolize the tension between life’s vitality and the fear of death, as well as beauty and psychological distress. The beautiful subject matter masks a deeper sense of anxiety. The relentless repetition of dots and patterns expresses Kusama’s “obsession” with infinity and her desire to dissolve her own ego and boundaries into the universe.

A distinguishing feature of this series, shared with the other 2005 release, is the incorporation of lamé. This metallic material is integrated into the print medium, providing a unique, shimmering, and luminous quality to the artwork that enhances its dynamic visual energy. This series was released during a highly prolific period of Kusama’s career, coinciding with her rising global recognition and the significant demand for her print works.

 

 

 

Flowers A/B/C, 2005

FLOWERS A/B/C

Medium: Screen-print in colors on Kakita-shi paper with lamé
[6 screens, 6 colors, 7 runs] for FLOWERS A
[6 screens, 6 colors, 7 runs] for FLOWERS B/C
Lame [2 colors]
Year: 2005
Image: 61.2 x 51 cm (24.1 x 20.1 inches)
Sheet: 71.5 x 60.3 cm (28.1 x 23.7 inches)
Edition: 50
Artist’s Proofs: 6 AP
Printer’s Proofs: 4 PP
Publisher: OKABE PRINT EDITIONS Ltd.
Printer: Okabe Tokuzo, Tokyo
Literature: ABE 346-348
ABE Publishing Ltd., Yayoi Kusama: Prints 1979-2017, Tokyo, 2017, Numbers 346-348, Illustrated pages 197-198

Signed, dated, and numbered in pencil on lower edge

 

1. FLOWERS A (ABE 346)

2. FLOWERS  B (ABE 347)

3. FLOWERS C (ABE 348)

 

 

FLOWERS A (ABE 346)

Seoul Auction: 28 May 2024
Estimated: KRW 30,000,000 – 50,000,000
KRW 35,400,000 / USD 25,985

YAYOI KUSAMA
Flowers A, 2005
Screenprint, lame
Signed, titled, dated and numbered on the recto

Artnet Auctions: 31 January 2024
Estimated: USD 25,000 – 35,000
USD 32,500

YAYOI KUSAMA
Flowers A | 花, 2005
Screenprint in colors with lamé on Kakita-shi wove paper
Signed, titled, dated and annotated P.P. in pencil
A Printer’s Proof aside from edition of 50

FLOWERS B (ABE 347)

Seoul Auction: 22 March 2022
Estimated: KRW 35,000,000 – 45,000,000
KRW 57,820,000 / USD 47,595

YAYOI KUSAMA
Flowers B, 2005
Screenprint, lame
Signed, titled, dated and numbered 43/50 on the recto

 

 

FLOWERS C (ABE 348)

K Auction Seoul: 29 April 2021
Estimated: KRW 25,000,000 – 50,000,000
KRW 43,700,000 / USD 39,220

YAYOI KUSAMA
Flowers C, 2005
Screenprint, lame
Signed, titled, dated and numbered on the front

Mainichi Auction: 6 June 2020
Estimated: JPY 2,000,000 – 2,500,000
JPY 2,700,000 (Hammer)
KRW 3,145,500 / USD 28,700

YAYOI KUSAMA
Flowers C, 2005
Screenprint, lame
Signed, titled, dated and numbered on the front
From the edition of 50

Christie’s Hong-Kong: 25 November 2018
Estimated: HKD 80,000 – 120,000
HKD 237,500 / USD 30,345

YAYOI KUSAMA (JAPAN. B. 1929)
Flowers C, 2005
Screen-print
Signed, dated and numbered ‘yayoi kusama 2005 29/50’ (lower edge)