Polka Dots

We spent a quiet afternoon at the newly opened Gillman Barracks - now a artists' haven with lots of galleries and restaurants. Unbeknown to many Singaporeans, this place retains its rustic charm. Do pay this place a visit before it becomes a place where people come to see and be seen.

I didn't know there are THAT many galleries in this 'ulu' corner of Singapore. I came primarily for the Yayoi Kusama exhibition by Ota Fine Arts.

"...a polka dot has the form of a sun, which is the symbol of the energy of the whole world  and our living life, and also the form of the moon, which is calm. Round, soft, colourful, senseless and unknowing. Polka dots become movement... Polka dots are a way to infinity" - Yayoi Kusama

"My art originates from hallucinations only I can see. I translate the hallucinations and obsessional images that plague me into sculptures and paintings..." - Yayoi Kusama

One of my favourite painting by Kusama. There is this 3D effect when you stand upclose and personal with this piece. Somehow, the dots worked really well for this pumpkin.

I must admit that I do not always understand or appreciate Kusama's work. They can be a little too neurotic for my liking. I actually do prefer her sculptures to her paintings, perhaps because the rationale for these pieces seem to be more logical/sensible?! To me, art is subjective and sometimes, we as viewers tend to read too much into the artists' mind. Perhaps, the artist merely wanted to draw a pumpkin because she feels like it and there are no hidden meaning/messages/agenda behind the painting? I really don't know. What do you think?