Six Artists Draw on Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame’s Kusama Collab

Yayoi Kusama has revolutionised the art world with her unique philosophy and creative practice, which spans installation, painting, sculpture, fashion design and occasional writing. Since starting out in the 1960s, her work has rivalled the legacies of Matisse and Picasso, while paving the way for women artists the world over: a mere glance at her blockbuster exhibition Infinity Mirrored Room – Filled with the Brilliance of Life is proof of that. Currently on show at the Tate Modern, the consistently sold-out installation is among the most popular shows of the past decade, with people queuing endlessly to get a glimpse of Kusama’s vision of reflection and its multifaceted meaning.

This theme of reflection is highlighted in her latest project, a collaboration with Veuve Clicquot, in which the artist pays tribute to “la grande dame” of champagne Madame Clicquot. Similar to Kusama’s impact on the art world, Madame Clicquot shaped the future of entrepreneurship and broke her own glass ceilings. In celebration of her legacy, Veuve Clicquot has launched its latest vintage champagne, La Grande Dame 2012, with Kusama as the bottle designer and a line-up of handpicked creatives championing the message behind it.

Originally released in 2020, the limited-edition La Grande Dame bottle and gift box were created exclusively for the brand by Kusama, whose signature polka-dot pattern is cleverly reimagined as bubbles of champagne in the artwork. The design also includes an opulent flower that symbolises vital energy, love and celebration of life which is articulated in a special poem written by Kusama in what marks her second tribute to Madame Clicquot – the first came in 2006, when the artist revived the original portrait of the Frenchwoman for a charity auction in Tokyo.

At the core of this collaboration is a message of love, light and positivity echoed by its accompanying ‘Inspiration in Bloom’ series. This is the second chapter of the powerful project and sees Veuve Clicquot invite six creative talents from around the world to push forward a message of optimism. Each of the talents – made up of an exciting roster including artists,  dancers, actors, models and content creators –  express their personal visions while setting their intentions for the year ahead by answering the question ‘what’s your blooming intention?’

“Love fiercely, give graciously, create relentlessly whether in flight or in descent,” says the Seoul-born and London- and Warsaw-based CSM graduate Shini Park, who is the founding director of digital atelier Cube and “digital playground and annual fashion and visual arts book series” Cubicle. For Seattle born Cirque du Soleil alum Mike Tyus, who plays The Trickster in its Kooza show and has previously collaborated with the likes of FKA twigs and Sia, the future is about achieving “true interconnectedness beyond differences and borders” and creating “a bold dance community that supports, encourages and inspires a new generation of visionaries.”

Tyus’s vision is emphasised by the Japanese singer, model and actor once described as “the pop idol for misfits”, Kom I, who released her EP YAKUSHIMA TREASURE in 2019. Her ‘blooming intention’ is for collective greatness. “May a brilliant season come to all of us next year,” she says, hopefully. Meanwhile, “uniqueness in all its manifestation” is what Argentinan model, influencer and street style star Candela Pelizza – who has worked with Loewe and Louis Vuitton, among other luxury brands – is focused on. And for dreamy LA photographer and content creator Sisilia Piring, the future is equally bright: “my blooming wish is to spread light, inspiration and optimism.”

The words of each creative align with Kusama’s wider message of a future shaped by joy and positivity. Canadian NYC-based multidisciplinary artist Chloe Wise, who is best known for her food-based works, which have been shown at the Warhol Museum and Art Basel Miami Beach, sums it up with her take on what’s to come: “I don’t know the future, but I can’t wait to meet it.”

La Grande Dame x Yayoi Kusama by Veuve Clicquot is available now, head here to find out more.