Eternalized

Emily Nguyen, 2T5 WB

Artist’s Statement: I started photography when I was 8 years old. I learned from my dad then continued to experiment with the art form in high school and undergrad. For me, photography is a way to freeze moments in time, convey emotions, and induce self-reflection. 

I am always looking to explore new artists and exhibits. One exhibit that I will never forget is the 2018 "YAYOI KUSAMA: INFINITY MIRRORS" at the Art Gallery of Ontario. I thought infinity was a difficult concept to grasp and impossible to physically quantify, however, my doubts dissolved once I stepped into Kusama's iconic infinity rooms. Her immersive, multi-reflective installations crafted with glass, mirrors, and LED lights created an illusion of a boundless universe. 

My aim with these images was to evoke a sense of 'eternity' and transport you to this exhibition. In a room where you cannot see a beginning or end, one where your thoughts and observations are perpetual and continue without interruption, Kusama's extraordinary and innovative explorations of time and space allow us to grasp the vastness of life.

"Aftermath of Obliteration of Eternity" by Yayoi Kusama, 2009

"Light of Life" by Yayoi Kusama, 2018

"The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away" by Yayoi Kusama, 2013

"Let's Survive Forever" by Yayoi Kusama, 2019