Going, going ... Walking in My Mind

The wonderful Walking in my Mind exhibition at the Hayward Gallery closes on Sunday, so you might like to take advantage of tonight's late night opening (until 10pm) to check it out.

Yayoi Kusama's lifelong obsession with polka-dots is realised on a grand scale at the Hayward, with giant blow-up sculptures taking over one room and spilling out on to the sunny terrace. The red and white globules are dotted around the hyper-real green astroturf like super-sized ladybirds. Such a brilliant view (and an exceptionally nice place to park yourself for a bit of a gallery break)! 

But most delightful, perhaps, is the sight of Yayoi's polka-dot emblazoned trees, lining the promenade along Southbank like a joyously infectious pox.

I was also excited to see Yoshitomo Nara's little shed/bedroom/drawing room in all its creepy-kawaii-cuteness. It was a fascinating and voyeuristic insight into his world of sweet-and-sinister characters - not to mention an opportunity to peek at his awesome collection of kitsch figurines.

The other artists in the exhibition include Charles Avery, Thomas Hirschhorn, Bo Christian Larsson, Mark Manders, Jason Rhoades, Pipilotti Rist, Chiharu Shiota and Keith Tyson.

Walking in My Mind: Adventure into the artist's imagination
Hayward Gallery
Until 6 September 2009
10am-6pm (late night Friday until 10pm)
£9 adults
Nearest tube: Waterloo

Yoshitomo Nara My Drawing Room 2008, bedroom, (2009 installation), copyright the artist. Photography by Roger Wooldridge. Courtesy of The Hayward Gallery, 200

Comments

[Make Do Style]

Good reminder - I have actually captured the polka dot trees in my short film. I'll miss them when they've gone.

[Polly R]

I went to see that at the weekend and I loved it! Especially Yoshitomo Nara's. x

[Zoe, Conversation Pieces]

Oh damn... I'm not down in London again until the middle of this month. So would have liked to see this - love the southbank area and it looks extra pretty like this!

[Fabric Nation]

I love those polka dot trees. It won't be the same without them.

[handmade romance]

wow love those trees! so fun. and yoshitomo nara one of my favs - thanks for sharing x

[Deb]

Looks great - the Southbank was one of my favourite places when I lived in London, especially the National Theatre. Bet this installation looked great.

[Sam]

That looks like another reason to pine for the cultural splendour that is London! *sigh*

[the likkle girl who wurves pwetty things]

It's not fair! Two of my favouritest Japanese artists in one go! Hrrrmmmphh! xx

[Delicious Industries]

Damn, I missed this :(

[Melissa]

I absolutely LOVE all this polka dot goodness! If I were there now, I'd go nuts from pure glee!! So jealous that you got to relish in this!