Illuminated: Yayoi Kusama

Swarovski Kristallwelten has opened the only permanent Kusama installation in the world in Wattens, Tyrol, Austria which can be visited year-round – aside from her gallery which opened in Tokyo in 2017 – starting now. It is now the 17th Chamber of Wonder, located in a building west of the iconic Giant. Kusama is exhibiting one of spectacular mirror installations to date in Wattens, entitled ‘Chandelier of Grief’.

The central element is a rotating chandelier of Swarovski crystal, whose luster comes to life in a room that is completely lined with mirrors. ‘When we promise visitors to the Swarovski Kristallwelten that they will experience ‘Temporary Enchantment,’ this new Chamber of Wonder is one step closer to making it a reality, and it does this in a very special way’,  as Stefan Isser, the managing director of D. Swarovski Tourism Services GmbH, delightfully notes. Carla Rumler, Cultural Director at Swarovski, added: ‘The new Chamber of Wonder with Kusama’s Infinity Room ‘Chandelier of Grief’ invites visitors to pause for a moment and at the same time creates the illusion of being in an endless space. This sensual and spatial experience has an almost transcendental effect. So I am all the more pleased that our visitors will be able to enjoy this experience for an unlimited time’.

Japan’s Yayoi Kusama is one of the most popular contemporary artists in the world. Her large-scale solo shows in Mexico City, Rio, Seoul, Taiwan and in Chile have attracted more than 5 million visitors over the past few years. In particular, her “Infinity Mirror Rooms” caused an international sensation – at times, the visits to her installations had to be limited to 30 seconds.

Swarovski Kristallwelten

Yayoi Kusama is one of the most important post-war Japanese artists. Between 1958 and 1972, she worked mainly in New York. Kusama returned to Japan in 1977, where she voluntarily admitted herself to a psychiatric clinic. She continues to live there today. The famous artist wakes up early every day, leaving the clinic to go to her studio, located across the street, so that she can dedicate herself to her art. In one of her very rare interviews, she revealed that this is the only routine which allows her to create art; she credits it with saving her life.

Those interested in travelling to see the new installation should contact Swarovski Kristallwelten Middle East Representative office.