ICA, Boston
September 2019
September 24, 2019–February 7, 2021
ICA Boston is to present LOVE IS CALLING, an installation by Yayoi Kusama that debuted in Japan in 2013, and was presented in a solo exhibition at David Zwirner the same year. The largest of Kusama’s Infinity Mirror Rooms, this work stands as one of the artist’s most immersive, kaleidoscopic environments to date. It is composed of a darkened, mirrored room illuminated by inflatable, tentacle-like forms—covered in the artist’s characteristic polka dots—that extend from the floor and ceiling, gradually changing colors. A sound recording of Kusama reciting a love poem in Japanese plays continuously. Written by the artist, the poem's title translates to Residing in a Castle of Shed Tears in English. Exploring enduring themes including life and death, the poem poignantly expresses Kusama’s hope to spread a universal message of love through her art.
In addition to LOVE IS CALLING, this show will feature a focused presentation drawn from the ICA’s collection. Titled Beyond Infinity: Contemporary Art After Kusama, it will offer insight into the development of Kusama’s work and its influence on contemporary art.