Yayoi Kusama (ed by Wayne Crothers & Miranda Wallace, NGV)

The book Yayoi Kusama from the National Gallery of Victoria captures the extraordinary 80-year legacy of the enigmatic artist, as showcased in the titular exhibition. This tribute to one of contemporary art’s most visionary figures is a beautifully designed volume that showcases Kusama’s iconic works and delves deeply into her psyche, shedding light on a life marked by psychological complexity and boundless creativity. Through careful curation and insightful commentary, the book offers an exploration of Kusama’s mind and the profound impact she continues to have on the art world. Featuring vibrant photographs highlighting Kusama’s signature dots, infinity rooms, immersive installations, fashion, performance art and activism, the book is enhanced by annotations and four newly commissioned essays. It offers readers a chance to deepen their understanding of Kusama’s significant influence on modern art while also enjoying a beautiful coffee table book. The layout is clean and accessible, making it a pleasure for both art lovers and book enthusiasts to enjoy at home. As with any exhibition catalogue, it is an important companion to the Kusama exhibition, but this monograph stands as a legacy of the show while also being an enjoyable experience in its own right. The inclusion of new interviews and rare, personal reflections makes this a must-have for anyone interested in contemporary art and the avant-garde. This book gets to the heart of Kusama’s mind, her legacy and her remarkable journey as a trailblazing Japanese woman whose work has radically changed contemporary art.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Hannah Cartmel is an editor, former bookseller and co-founder of The Rag & Bone Man Press Inc. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

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