During the past twelve months, it seems we’ve gradually stepped aside from traditional art forms. While we can still appreciate and admire the exquisiteness of paintings and sculpture and always will, there has been an undeniable circulation of more immersive experiences. 

 As a millennial, I spend far too much of my time mindlessly scrolling through Instagram. Constantly finding new people to follow, new posts to like, it’s endless cycle; but with this comes the opportunity to uncover new experiences. At one point during my scrolling, I remember noticing a particular image appearing every time I refreshed the app. This being, Yayoi Kusama’s ‘Infinity Mirror Rooms’ at the Tate Modern.

Through Instagram, I could see that this was an experience like no other, truly unique in the sense that it was something new and gripping. Yayoi Kusama’s exhibition housed at the Tate offered the public a walk-through of glistening lights that could only be described as hallucination-like. As I stepped into her Infinity Mirrored Room, I distinctly remember feeling as though the room was never-ending. The multi-coloured dots encompassing the mirrored walls had a life of their own, palpitating like a heartbeat. Unlike ordinary art, there was no clear distinction between the admirer and the art piece.  Instead, it felt as though you became part of it. 

The Japanese artist showcased an entire event through her contemporary art. Another of mine and from what I’ve seen on social media, shared by many, was the Chandelier of Grief room. Once again all aspects of the room were covered in mirrors, but this time your eyes immediately fixate on the awe-inspiring chandeliers draping from the ceilings. It resembled stepping into an old historic palace while also paying respect to modern day society. A perfect collaboration of two eras. 

 The rooms were unapologetically photogenic. Understanding now why I had seen them circulating Instagram so much, it was hard not to capture their heavenliness. Unlike other exhibits I’ve visited, this had a time limit. For what I can only presume is to allow people to get the most out of the experience, only a limited number of people were allowed in at any one time. Meaning you had the best part of three minutes to walk through Kasuma’s masterpiece. Allowing the viewers to fully engage in her art or spend that time documenting it through photography and videos. Admittedly I did both.

Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirror Rooms at the Tate Modern, is currently sold out due to popular demand. Additional tickets will be made available in early 2022.