Andy Warhol described his hypochondria (fear of hospitals and doctors) as an integral part of the development of his personality during his younger days. Yayoi Kusama shared her own brand of personal torment—having suffered hallucinations since the age of 10, she chose art as catharsis. Her canvas is limitless: Walls, floors, household objects with paintings and drawings of polka dots, or “infinity nets,” as she calls them, that would become her definitive style.“I first became aware of Kusama’s work as I am an avid collector of the Pop Art movement, which includes works by many of the greats such as Andy Warhol who we also showcase in the gallery,” says Saskia Joosse, owner and managing director of Pop and Contemporary Fine Art. “I believe that many people are unaware that Kusama is one of the most influential and important female artists of our times.“

For the first time in Singapore, Pop and Contemporary Fine Art will be exhibiting her works. In November 2008, one of Kusama’s work sold for US$5.1 million at Christies; a record for a living female artist at that time. “I think that people may find her works fascinating, every dot and line is meticulously executed in the construction of her visions which she chooses to share with us,” explains Saskia. “Ordinary objects are transformed into living forms that are connected and interconnected to the universe, the universe of Yayoi Kusama.”

Yayoi Kusama’s exhibition is on through Aug 28 at Pop and Contemporary Fine Art, #03-02 Palais Renaissance, 390 Orchard Rd., 6735-0959. Free.