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'I Thought I Was In Space:' Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Room Draws Ooh's And Ahh's

Nick Ketpura

On a busy day at the Aspen Art Museum, a line of people stand outside the ten-by-ten foot stainless steel cube that houses “Where The Lights In My Heart Go,” by Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama. Kusama’s Infinity Rooms use mirrors and pinholes of light to create the illusion of an expansive, immersive space.

 

 

 

Outside the room, a museum volunteer gives instructions to those about to enter, telling them that they'll get 90 seconds inside and asking them to remove shoes and not to touch the walls.

 

Credit Jeremy Kay

Inside, the mirrored walls, ceiling and floors reflect small dots of light. It’s like standing in a kaleidoscope. 

 

When Dallas residents Sonia and Shaze Verani step out after their 90 seconds, they have their own metaphors. 

“It was phenomenal, something very different," she said.

 

"We didn’t know what to expect, but it was just ridiculously beautiful," he said. "She thought she was in a train station, I thought I was in space. It was awesome.”

"Where The Lights In My Heart Go" is on view through May 10. 

 

 

 

 

Contributor Christin Kay is passionate about the rich variety of arts, cultural experiences and stories in the Roaring Fork Valley. She has been a devotee of public radio her whole life. Christin is a veteran of Aspen Public Radio, serving as producer, reporter and interim news director.
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