Infinity Nets (BSGK), 2015
Acrylic on canvas
162×162 cm (63.7×63.7 inches)
Titled, signed and dated ‘”INFINITY NETS (BSGK)” YAYOI KUSAMA 2015’

 

Provenance
OTA Fine Arts, Tokyo
Acquired from the above by the present owner

 

Phillips London: 8 March 2017
GBP 605,000 / USD 735,115

Source: Phillips
Yayoi Kusama – 20th Century & Contempor… Lot 2 March 2017 | Phillips

 

The sheer grandeur of Yayoi Kusama’s canvas is overwhelming. The scale of the work combined with its intricate detail has an arresting impact, implicating the viewer both physically and psychologically. From a distance the painting initially appears to be monochromatic but upon closer examination sumptuous interweaving tones of deep red and gold emerge. Kusama has explored the limits of these colors throughout her career, creating sumptuous fiery landscapes which provoke our perception and challenge the underpinnings of abstraction and craftwork.

The all-encompassing pattern of iconic polka dots which covers the surface of Infinity Nets is formed by a reverse process, in which the artist paints swirling nets over a base colour, in this case a shimmering gold. Kusama’s unique technique establishes layers of textural complexity, adding depth and intricacy reminiscent of regal finery and lace. This attention to detail combined with the artist’s monumental vision serves to simultaneously evoke infinite cosmologies and the minutiae of individual cells.