THE ART OF THE POLKA DOT

YAYOI KUSAMA

 I've done a lot of research in the past couple of days regarding artists who rock the dot, and I must say Yayoi Kusama wins the prize for the visual artist who's love for polka dots borders on obsession.  Born in Japan in the early 20th century, Kusama freely admits to struggles with mental illness through out her life, and has stated that her use of polka dots or "infinity nets" (as she calls them) are a product of her hallucinations.

I have included some quotes of hers which illustrate her artistic philosophy, but it's worth googling her for more information.  She is clearly a unique artist with a powerful need to express herself with.....dots.

 "Red, green and yellow dots can be the circles representing the earth, the sun, or the moon.  I paint polka dots on the bodies of people and with these dots the people will self-obliterate and return tot he nature of the universe"            YAYOI KUSAMA

 "A polka dot has the form of the sun, which is a symbol of the energy of the whole world and our living life, and also the form of the moon, which is calm.  Round, soft, colorful, senseless and unknowing, polka dots are a way to infinity"   YAYOI KUSAMA

 "I, Kusama, am the modern Alice in Wonderland"  YAYOI KUSAMA

Alice in Wonderland Happening in central park N.Y. 1968

A "spot" painting by British artist Damien Hirst titled LSD.  Hirst is quoted as saying he personally painted only five spot paintings and allowed his assistants to paint the rest.

A collaboration between Hirst and graffiti artist Bansky

 The following two paintings are examples of Australian Aboriginal dot painting.  Though the art itself seems happy and childlike the history of Aboriginal art in a complicated one involving camouflage, secrecy and ritual.

Damien Hirst's spin art

Roy Lichtenstein

 The following painting is by Georges Seurat who created the technique known as pointillism.  Pointillism is a series of small distinct dots of pure color which are applied in patterns to form an image.  The eye and mind of the viewer blend the colored spots.

Damien Hirst

Makeup artist Emma Farrel

Have a beautiful day.
YANCEY