Petals 1988

Yayoi Kusama made "Petals" with what looks like screen printing. What a joyful rhythm of red petal shapes! I can imagine Kusama, in her studio, patiently layering these repetitive, hypnotic forms, each one subtly different from the last. The red ground feels alive and the pale green and the dots inside the petals create a vibrating energy. You can see her persistence, that obsessive quality that makes her work so captivating. It must have been so exciting to see the image emerge with each layer, embracing the imperfections and variations that make the artwork so unique and captivating. The subtle shifts in color and the slightly misaligned patterns give it a handmade quality that feels very human. Kusama's practice, her intense focus, reminds me a lot of Agnes Martin's grids. They’re both interested in the meditative quality of repetition. This piece really speaks to the idea that painting isn't just about what you see, it’s about the process of making and seeing itself.