Nets

Kusama’s 1998 Nets is a mesmerizing exploration of repetition and infinity, the canvas serving as a portal to an ethereal realm of pattern. Through intricate, undulating configurations of nets, Kusama creates a sense of boundlessness that transcends the canvas. The nets, meticulously rendered with countless tiny loops, convey a sense of obsessive precision, and create a visual tapestry that seems to extend beyond the physical boundaries of the artwork. Kusama notes, “This endless repetition caused a kind of dizzy, empty, hypnotic feeling” (Y. Kusama quoted in L. Hoptman, Yayoi Kusama, London, 2000, p. 103). The present lot encapsulates “…the inherent philosophical paradox of [the] monadic works – that “infinity” could be quantified within the arbitrary framework of a readymade canvas,” (L. Neri, Yayoi Kusama “Possible Worlds,” New York, 2009, p. 10-11).

Kusama’s distinctive style is characterized by repetitive patterns and an exploration of the concept of infinity. Indeed, the artist’s signature motif is deeply intertwined with her personal experiences: from a young age, the artist experienced vivid hallucinations, including seeing patterns and dots enveloping her field of vision. These hallucinatory experiences became foundational for Kusama’s oeuvre, as her hallucinogenic imagery offers viewers a glimpse into her unique perspective. The subtle variations within the nets hint at the artist’s emotional depth as well, suggesting a delicate balance between order and chaos. In Nets, Kusama invites us to lose ourselves in the complex interplay of line, transcending the confines of the canvas into a contemplative exploration of the boundless. Furthermore, Kusama’s use of color adds another dimension, transforming the nets into vibrant, pulsating fields that evoke a sense of cosmic vastness. Kusama’s use of bold and blazing red in the present lot creates a rich background, which is enhanced further by the contrast of the delicate, lace-like pattern of white nets. This vibrant color combination makes Nets an advantageous addition to one of Kusama’s most influential and recognizable bodies of work.

“Forget yourself. Become one with eternity. Become part of your environment.” Yayoi Kusama

Red has held a profound desirability throughout art history, captivating artists and viewers alike. It is a color of immense symbolic power, signifying both passion and danger, love and anger. In the art of the Renaissance, red was reserved for religious subjects, symbolizing divinity, or to denote wealth and social status. In more recent art movements like Abstract Expressionism, red became a conduit for raw emotion and intensity. Artists like Mark Rothko harnessed its depth to convey complex feelings. Beyond symbolism, red is inherently attention-grabbing, easily drawing the eye and conveying a sense of urgency or vitality. Its power not only lies in its significance throughout art history but also in its primordial ability to evoke visceral reactions and leave a lasting impression on the viewer.

The artist’s Infinity Net series is a pivotal and iconic part of Kusama’s artistic portfolio. These intricate and mesmerizing paintings feature a seemingly endless expanse of delicate patters created through conscientious brushwork. Kusama began her Infinity Net series in 1958, marking a significant turning point in her career. The series reflects Kusama’s fascination with the infinite and her lifelong exploration of the nexus between art, psychology, and the cosmos. The sublime Nets painting “continue[s] [the] fundamental task of depicting the despicable in a steady, insistent pulse,” (L. Neri, Yayoi Kusama “Possible Worlds,” New York, 2009, p. 10).

Kusama occupies a distinctive and influential space in contemporary art history, notably recognized for her avant-garde contributions to various moments. Emerging in the 1950s, she played a pivotal role in the development of Pop Art and Minimalism, yet her work often defies easy categorization. Kusama’s immersive installations have redefined the boundaries of experiential art, offering viewers a participatory journey into her vivid imagination. More specifically, Kusama’s Infinity Room installations have garnered international acclaim and exemplify her ability to transport viewers into mesmerizing and infinite realms. Kusama’s iconic Net paintings serve as a remarkable precursor to her showstopping Infinity Rooms. When discussing her artistic process, Kusama noted, “Forget yourself. Become one with eternity. Become part of your environment,” (Y. Kusama, quoted in “Yayoi Kusama, No. F,” Museum of Modern Art, New York, 2023). Her fearless exploration of themes like infinity, obsession, and the obliteration of self has left an indelible mark, influencing contemporary artists working today and for generations to come. Kusama’s ability to seamlessly merge personal narratives with universal concepts has solidified her as a trailblazer, transcending cultural and artistic boundaries to create a space uniquely her own in the expansive canvas of art history.