Infinity Nets S.S.Z. 1961, 1979
Acrylic on canvas
90.8×71.1 cm (35.7×28 inches)
Signed, titled and dated ‘Yayoi Kusama Infinity Nets S.S.Z. 1961’ (on the stretcher)

Provenance
SCAI The Bathhouse, Tokyo
Acquired from the above by the present owner

 

Christie’s New-York: 15 May 2013
Estimated USD 500,000 – 800,000

Source: Christie’s
https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5681278

 

 

In Infinity Nets S.S.Z., an endless supply of red, vibrating molecules erupt into the dark macrocosm of the canvas. Constantly weaving in and out, this painting offers the illusion of movement, efficaciously challenging the eye and resulting in a near hypnotic effect. Because space and depth are indistinguishable, the viewer is left in a transfixed gaze.

At first glance, pattern is the first thing that comes to mind. However, pattern implies repetition and in the case of Infinity Nets S.S.Z., no two markings are the same, making it impossible to dismiss this piece as such. The artist made a conscious effort to concentrate on painting one particle at a time to ensure that each is distinct from all the others. Kusama’s tremendous deal of focus is intrinsic as she has been diagnosed with obsessional neurosis, a mental condition which causes her to desire to focus on details. The psychological issues that the artist deals with are inextricably linked with her work and the basis of nets originates from her need to veil herself from interpersonal contact.