BEYE Discovery: Polka Dot Art Inspired by Artist Yayoi Kusama

Post Contributed by Ally Berstein, Assistant Teacher

For this project, we looked at the work of Yayoi Kusama, the “Princess of Polka-Dots”. Yayoi Kusama made her first polka-dot drawing when she was 10 years old, and hasn’t stopped since ~ even though she is now 84! She has created polka-dot paintings, polka-dot trees, rooms full of glowing polka-dots that stretch to infinity ~ years and years of polka-dot artworks.

Ms. Berstein sharing a photo of Yayoi Kusama

We used Kusama’s “Obliteration Room” installation as inspiration for our own project. The “Obliteration Room” began as an all-white room with all-white furniture. Visitors were invited to place colored dot stickers anywhere and everywhere in this room. The result was kaleidoscopic!

Brainstorming ideas: (left to right) Caroline, Anika, Yinka and Elijah

While we drew our inspiration from Kusama, each group of students successfully brainstormed new ways to create art with polka-dots! One group focused on color, another group played with clusters of dots and space, and an additional group included a personal design in every single polka-dot! This was lots of fun to make and we hope you enjoy viewing the finished work. To view the student's exciting installation in person, please stop by the main hall, just outside the office.