Left: Cover of “The Little Mermaid”, by Hans Christian Andersen & Yayoi Kusama, 2016. Right: Portrait of Yayoi Kusama with “The Little Mermaid”, by Hans Christian Andersen & Yayoi Kusama, 2016. Copyright Louisiana Museum of Modern Art.
Images Courtesy of the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
In a follow up to last year’s incredibly popular Yayoi Kusama retrospective, the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art has released an updated edition of Hans Christian Andersen’s tale “The Little Mermaid” including illustrations drawn by none other than Kusama herself. “I want to be a mermaid,” says the Japanese artist. “I place all my hopes for the future in the mermaid, who is a symbol of all good hearts and of love.” Indeed, Kusama not only managed to incorporate her distinctive style into the mesmerising images, but she has also masterfully captured the intriguing and inspiring children’s story. The contemporary version of the book has been designed by the Louisiana’s chief designer Marie d’Origny Lübecker and features a specially selected delicate paper that represents the collaboration between Yayoi Kusama and Hans Christian Andersen.
For those seeking a good read, some beloved polka-dot styled illustrations — or both — follow this link to purchase a copy of “The Little Mermaid: A Fairy Tale of Infinity and Love Forever”.
p. 50 – 51, detail from “After The Party”, 2005. Copyright Louisiana Museum of Modern Art. “The Little Mermaid”, by Hans Christian Andersen & Yayoi Kusama, 2016. Image Courtesy of the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
“Love Forever Taow”, 2004, Yayoi Kusama. Copyright Yayoi Kusama. “The Little Mermaid”, by Hans Christian Andersen & Yayoi Kusama, 2016. Image Courtesy of the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
“Waves”, 2007, Yayoi Kusama. Copyright Yayoi Kusama. “The Little Mermaid”, by Hans Christian Andersen & Yayoi Kusama, 2016. Image Courtesy of the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
p. 66 – 67, detail from “Flower Petals”, 2005. Copyright Louisiana Museum of Modern Art. “The Little Mermaid”, by Hans Christian Andersen & Yayoi Kusama, 2016. Image Courtesy of the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
All illustrations are from the series Love Forever, 2004-2007 © YAYOI KUSAMA, 2016
Pigment marker and acrylic on canvas, c. 162 x 130 cm / 130 x 162 cm