Yayoi Kusama
Dots Obsession—Alive, Seeking for Eternal Hope
September 1–26, 2016
The Glass House
199 Elm Street
New Canaan, CT 06840
Hours: Thursday–Monday 9:30am–5:30pm
The Glass House is pleased to present Yayoi Kusama: Dots Obsession—Alive, Seeking for Eternal Hope, the third part of the Yayoi Kusama: Narcissus Garden landscape installation on view throughout the season in celebration of the 110th anniversary of Philip Johnson’s birth and the 10th anniversary of the opening of the Glass House site to the public.
As an exclusive opportunity and for a limited time, September 1 through 26, Kusama will create an “infinity room,” covering the Glass House with her signature infinity polka dots. Visitors who attend the exhibition during this period will be offered the unique experience of seeing the world through the eyes of both Philip Johnson and Yayoi Kusama simultaneously.
“Dots Obsession—Alive, Seeking for Eternal Hope is a triumphant statement by Yayoi Kusama about the power of art to transform pain into beauty and meaning. Kusama thoughtfully created this site-specific installation and poem. This work helps us establish a celebratory mood. It is both fun and artistic, with its playful color and varying sizes of the polka dots; yet sophisticated and architectural in the interplay of shade, shadow, and reflection. It has been an absolute privilege to work with Kusama and her studio.”
–Irene Shum, Curator and Collections Manager
Dots Obsession—Alive, Seeking for Eternal Hope will consist of more than 1200 low tack adhesive vinyl circles of three varying sizes (12 cm, 18 cm, and 25 cm) applied to the walls and doors of all four facades of the Glass House. The “Pepsi Red” polka dots will at first brightly contrast the lush late summer green landscape of the Glass House, then complement the emerging autumn colors of New England. The interior application of the circles will maintain the reflective surface of the glass. When photographed from the exterior, the polka dots will seem to dematerialize. When experienced from the interior, the shadows cast from polka dots will repeat the pattern onto the floors and furniture. During this period, visitors will experience the Glass House through Kusama’s unique vision, as she sees the world as polka dots, herself “a single particle amongst billions.”
“The dotted glass house brings eternal love and hope.
Before the Glass House, those who see it promise their eternal prayers for peace and love.
Glass House, our everything.
With feelings of life and death, the house that I love encourages life.
Glass House forever.”
–Yayoi Kusama, June 13, 2016
Organized by Irene Shum, Curator and Collections Manager at the Glass House.
This installation was made possible by Joeb Moore & Partners Architects, Greenwich, Connecticut and Pettit Art Partners, New York.
Special tours Yayoi Kusama: Narcissus Garden will be included in all tours of the Glass House during the 2016 season. Visitors who wish to view Narcissus Garden up close (it is located in the pond behind the Glass House), should select a Special Exhibition Tour, In-depth Tour, Self-Guided Tour, or Private Tour when making reservations. Narcissus Garden will be viewed from the promontory behind the Glass House during the Glass House Tour, Glass House + Galleries Tour, and Extended Tour.
Dots Obsession—Alive, Seeking for Eternal Hope will be a special installation for a limited time, September 1–26, 2016. Please note that during this installation, all tours of the site will experience the infinity room installation. Private tours, with curator Irene Shum, will also be available during this time.
For additional information:
Christa Carr, Director of Communications
T 203 275 7565 / ccarr [at] theglasshouse.org
Tickets start at 25 USD, including a tour of the site.
