Beyond the Selfie: Experiencing Yayoi Kusama’s Art Without Distraction | #AudioPost

In an era dominated by smartphones and social media, the allure of capturing the perfect picture often overshadows the true experience of art. This contradiction comes to light with the mesmerizing works of Yayoi Kusama, celebrated for her psychedelic installations and Infinity Rooms. Currently showcased at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), this exhibition is touted as the largest of its kind for the Japanese artist in the southern hemisphere. But it begs the question: can we appreciate Kusama’s genius while putting down our phones? 

Kusama’s art is undeniably “Instagrammable.” Her Infinity Rooms, with their captivating mirrored surfaces and mesmerizing light displays, draw in visitors, eager to capture and share a piece of this surreal experience. But what happens when we step back and permit ourselves to immerse fully in the artwork? The feeling of being enveloped in boundless space and twinkling lights can leave you reflective and inspired, a sensation that a quick smartphone snap simply cannot convey.

The NGV exhibition explores Kusama’s artistic journey, revealing the emotions and motivations behind her creations. Growing up in Japan, Kusama battled with mental health challenges and found solace in her art. Her works evoke a spectrum of feelings—from wonder to unease—inviting viewers to confront their own thoughts and feelings. By getting lost in Kusama’s vibrant cosmos, we can engage with the deeper themes of connection, isolation, and the human experience.

In a world eternally moving at the click of a button, the exhibition encourages us to be present, to connect with the art authentically. Imagine entering a room of infinite reflections and allowing yourself to be completely captivated by the sight, rather than focusing on the perfect angle for your next post.

Perhaps this is the gift we can give ourselves during our visits to artistic spaces: time. Time to be present, time to reflect, and time to truly experience the emotions that Kusama’s brilliant artistry invokes.

So, the next time you find yourself at an art exhibition—especially one as extraordinary as Kusama’s—consider the value of stepping back from your phone, if only for a moment. Immerse yourself in the experience, let your feelings flow, and discover the hidden narratives in her creations. 

Let’s celebrate art as a form of connection, both with ourselves and with the artist’s vision. After all, while social media may enable sharing our experiences, it can never replace the richness of direct engagement with art.