Kusama Infinity is a documentary that chronicles the expansive career of Yayoi Kusama and her voyage as she breaks into the art industry. Heather Lenz captures Kusama’s journey from her conservative upbringing in the city of Matsumoto, to her gaining international appraisal as one of the ‘biggest living artist of the world’. Kusama battles sexism, racism, mental illness and a tough family dynamic, in order to pursue her art. In the film, and in the real world, Kusama enthrals viewers with, both: her personal art that holds universal ideas; and her fluffy, vibrant personality. This becomes the foundation for the documentary that truly allows Kusama to shine. Kusama Infinity delves into Kusama’s inspirations, psychological trauma, passions and obsessions as Lenz captures the life of the outstanding artist and how her iconic and immersive artworks came to be.
The documentary itself is fairly standard. Narration, archival footage, and oral history are employed to present a truthful cross-section of Kusama’s life. The accompanying titles and subtitles on-screen are not dazzling or avant-garde— but it is sufficient for the purposes of this documentary. The chronological timeline is interweaved with shots of her artwork and photographs from her past. The documentary has a chiastic ring structure where the hero of this film eventually returns to where the film had begun – her hometown. We are introduced to Kusama’s childhood in Matsumoto City, providing context for her psychological trauma and the ideas explored within her work. From an early age, Kusama has incorporated her hallucinogenic visions and imagery into her art. A montage sequence showcases her early drawings. Drawing became a means to escape from neglect and abuse. Met with the contempt and lack of support from her family, Kusama moves to New York City in 1957 to pursue a career as an artist with the support of Georgia O’ Keeffe.
In the grand setting of New York during the 60’s, many great moments are showcased. Kusama organises nude protests to celebrate the beauty of the natural form— thus providing grounds for the audience to question the nature of war and why such delicate creatures are sent to engage in conflict. We watch Kusama perform gay marriages in New York, almost 50 years, before same-sex marriages were recognised and legalised by the Constitution. Her vigour in being on the leading-edge does not stop with her activism.
Kusama’s ideas and artworks are leading-edge— constantly pushing boundaries and redefining the term ‘avant-garde’. However, the New York art scene is not welcoming towards Kusama. Sexism and racism separate Kusama from the notoriety of white, male, artists were able to receive. The chronological timeline of the documentary is crucial in demonstrating the continuous art theft Kusama experienced. Within a brief timeline, artists like Andy Warhol and Claes Oldenburg are accused of appropriating and stealing Kusama’s ideas.
Kusama Infinity is a thorough and illustrative film that provides an avenue for a mass audience to understand the tribulations of Kusama’s journey and the breadth of Kusama’s complex identity and artworks. Suitable for both those familiar and unfamiliar with the artist, Kusama- Infinity tells something new about the artist to all. Personally, I have gained so much more respect and love for the icon that is Kusama. A pioneer who has paved the way for new advancements in various aspects and is well beyond this age. The themes explored in her work have a sense of universality while being incredibly personal to her. Kusama never fails to maintain her brand and identity. It was uplifting to see her get the recognition she deserves.
Overshadowed by white males in her career, the film documents her persistence and rise to fame. Her story is an important representation in the current social climate. Regardless of the challenges she had faced throughout her career, Kusama’s vibrancy has not faded throughout the years. She continues to adhere to her true self, and her art continues to be a representation of her thoughts and identity. She does not intend for her works to be digestible, but viewers cannot help but understand and appreciate it. One would say she is inseparable from her art. That is very much true— as her art wins the admiration of many across the globe— her appearance on the documentary film had won the heart of the whole theatre.
Bonnie (16)