Fourth graders in Selina Bernat’s art class at Austin Road Elementary recently experimented with a vibrant dot art technique inspired by the work of Japanese contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama.
Kusama is known around the world for her bold use of colorful dots and her larger-than-life art installations that invite viewers to step into her imaginative world. Throughout her long career, she has worked in many forms, including painting, sculpture, performance and immersive exhibits, always using her art to express creativity, emotion and connection.
Using Kusama’s distinctive style as inspiration, Bernat’s students designed personal symbols that represent something meaningful to them and filled their artwork with bright, patterned dots to express their individuality.
Principal Bryan Gilligan, who visited the class while students were working, said he was inspired by their creativity.
“It’s wonderful to see how our students connect art to their own experiences,” Gilligan said. “Projects like this allow them to explore who they are while learning about the power of creativity and self-expression.”
The classroom buzzed with excitement and color as students explored how even the simplest shapes, such as dots, can tell powerful stories through art.
