Stepping Into Infinity at the AGO

On April 10, the Grade 7 Visual Arts class got to experience one of the most sought-after art exhibitions in Toronto —  Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors at the Art Gallery of Ontario. The exhibition showcases works that span the entire career of contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama, from the early 1950s to the present. The exhibition takes its name from her “infinity rooms,” kaleidoscopic environments that make use of mirrors and lights to create immersive experiences.

During this trip, students had the unique opportunity to experience six of Kusama’s kaleidoscopic environments, alongside key paintings, sculptures and works on paper from the early 1950s to the present. Getting to experience Kusama’s immersive infinity rooms had a big impact on the students. “They were out of this world!" student Bella Melardi said.

"I felt small seeing all the infinite mirrors. I felt like I was in space," said Mimi Fingold.

The immersive aspect of the artwork meant students felt like they were right in the middle of the illusions.

"My favourite part was the lanterns, because they made me feel like I was floating,” Gigi Vrijmoeth said. “This is because the floor looked like water."

Through discussion and reflection, students were challenged to interpret the variety of artworks and identify the feelings, issues, themes, and social concerns that they convey.  This experience gave students the opportunity to explore the function of visual and media arts in various contexts today and in the past, and of their influence on the development of personal and cultural identity. Students reflected on the connection between the artist herself and her works, noting that the Pumpkin Room seemed to reflect her personality the most.

Back in the classroom, students have been applying how Kusama uses colour and pattern to their own "My Community" portrait painting assignments.