Is Yayoi Kusama’s ‘The Moving Moment When I Went To The Universe’ worth the hype?

For Yayoi Kusama’s cult of fans, the arrival of her latest installation artwork ‘My heart is dancing into the universe,’ to the intimate Victoria Miro Gallery, London, was hotly anticipated.

Making up part of the more broadly named ‘The Moving Moment When I Went To The Universe,’ love for the artist­– whose work is widely considered the most consumed of our time –  is reflected by an exhibition sold out until December (yes, really).

But is the exhibition worth the hype? Absolutely.

“Transporting them to a place that’s both universally accessible and deeply personal”

At the core of Kusama’s installation artwork (both ‘My Heart Is Dancing into The Universe’ and her wider Infinity series) is its ability to captivate the audience completely, before transporting them to a place that’s both universally accessible and deeply personal in its provocation of self-analysis and exploration. While the installation is Kusama’s interpretation of infinity, it is also a powerful conversation starter.

What’s most distinct about ‘The Moving Moment When I Went To The Universe’ is the manner in which it manages to depict this interpretation of infinity both experientially and tangibly. What is, in reality, a small mirrored room filled with suspended polka dot balls, has the immense power to catapult the audience into an unmoored and endless space. Through the immersive nature of the piece, the audience is both present in their experience, while also functioning as humble observers to something greater.

Some have suggested that Kusama’s work is successful, in part, due to its compatibility with social media. This is an interesting reflection with room for much interpretation. It’s possible to compare the subliminal impact of social media with the overwhelming experience of Kusama’s work.

Both studies and anecdotal experiences of social media have brought increasing attention to the user’s experience of feeling simultaneously connected and disconnected. Abstract and symbolic parallels could be drawn between the feeling of otherworldliness captured within Kusama’s work and experiences of social media. With this in mind, it’s both poignant and ironic that social media is a significant platform through which her work is experienced.

Whether you’re a die-hard Kusama fan who’s seen every installation going (consider us jealous if that’s the case), or know very little about the artist and her distinct style, ‘The Moving Moment When I Went To The Universe’ is an experience that shouldn’t be missed if you manage to get your hands on the London art scene’s most coveted tickets.

Don’t think that because tickets are sold out, there’s not a chance to see the exhibition. Keep your eyes on all of Victoria Miro’s social media platforms for additional releases.