YAYOI KUSAMA MUSHROOMS

 Yayoi Kusama Mushrooms

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Yayoi Kusama Mushrooms using drawing techniques learned in class
• Use biomorphic shapes (irregular, round, life form), line variations (horizontal, vertical, diagonal), and complementary colors (red green; blue orange; yellow purple) inspired by Japanese Contemporary Artist (1929-Present) Yayoi Kusama
• Use collage techniques (overlapping, layering, cropping) and design principles (composition, balance, repetition) based on Contemporary Art
• Define Infinity Nets (a painting composed of tiny dots and marks)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Mushrooms (1995) Yayoi Kusama

2. Read Yayoi Kusama From Here To Infinity by Sarah Suzuki

3. Discussion Questions "Who is Yayoi Kusama? Why does she use dots? How did she become an artist? When did she start making art? What is she inspired by? What happens when two colored dots overlap? Does it create a new color? What is Nihonga Painting? What is the psychological or spiritual significance of dots? What is the biggest misconception about art? How old was the artist when she created her first dot picture? Are the dots carefully placed or random? Do the polka dots go in a line? What are the size are the polka dots?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use drawing techniques (layering overlapping cropping) to make a composition for the Yayoi Kusama Mushrooms

2. Use drawing techniques (layering overlapping cropping) to add the parts (stems, tops) for the mushrooms of the mushroom collages

3. Add design details (polka dots, hieroglyphs, biomorphic shapes) to the positive space (mushroom) of the Yayoi Kusama Mushrooms

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Yayoi Kusama Mushrooms For Assigned Table 

2. Mushrooms (2005) Yayoi Kusama

3. Discussion Questions "Why are mushrooms so colorful? What are some differences between mushrooms? What types of shapes can you use to break up your drawing? What colors are mushrooms? What is the meaning behind a mushroom? What types of mushrooms are there? How many kinds of mushrooms are there? What is your favorite type of mushroom? Do you know any interesting facts about mushrooms? What is the strangest mushroom you have seen? What kinds of mushrooms are dangerous? Why are mushrooms so large or small?" 

Lesson Activities

1. Use value (reflective, highlights, shadows) to add contrast to positive space (mushrooms) of Yayoi Kusama Mushrooms

2. Use value (cast shadow, reflective light, highlights) to add contrast to negative space (background) of Yayoi Kusama Mushrooms

3. Use implied texture to add details (polka dots, hieroglyphs, biomorphic shapes) to positive space (mushrooms) of Yayoi Kusama Mushrooms

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Yayoi Kusama Mushrooms for Assigned Table

2. Set Up Studio Area (scissors, glue sticks, pencils)

Lesson Activities

1. Use complementary colors (red green; blue orange; yellow purple) to fill in the positive space (mushrooms) of Yayoi Kusama Mushrooms

2. Use complementary colors (red green; blue orange; yellow purple) to fill in the negative space (mushrooms of Yayoi Kusama Mushrooms

3. Use metallic colors (gold silver bronze) to outline the line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) of the positive space (mushrooms) of the Yayoi Kusama Mushrooms

Artist Examples

 

Student Examples