This is slightly old news now (and I know I’m coming across as being absolutely obsessed with her) but Yayoi Kusama, among two other Australian artists, was commissioned to create artwork for the Supreme and District Courts in my hometown of Brisbane. The final works by the artists have finally unfolded but it seems that Brisbane is slamming them down. 

For good reason though? The work by Kusama is entitled Thousands of Eyes and Kusama, 83, drew each eye in black ink before they were enamelled and bolted in place for display. It might sound like a lot of effort for a bunch of disembodied cartoon-like eyes… and it was! The efforts have been reflected in the price tag, which came to a whopping $970,000. 

Justice Minister Jarrod Bleijie has been unimpressed with Brisbane’s latest attempt at culturing itself, saying that “White paint would have been good for me.” The eyes are pretty intense … but then what would finally stop  office workers from stealing stationery? The eyes clearly symbolising the watchful public, transparent justice, etc etc. 

Either way, I’ll reserve judgement until I go back home and have a look in person after the building opens next month. Here’s an image of Kusama’s work below: 

Yayoi Kusama: Look Now, See Forever

19 November 2011 – 11 March 2012 | Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA)

Brisbane, Queensland. Coming to a sunny shore near you.