In the art world, few names resonate like that of the late Yayoi Kusama, the Japanese avant-garde artist who has left an indelible mark on contemporary art. Among the most passionate collectors of her work are Filipino couple Jose Isidro “Lito” Camacho and Maria Clara “Kim” Acuña Camacho, who have amassed one of the largest private collections of Kusama’s pieces right in their Makati City home.
Lito, a prominent banker and former energy and finance secretary during the early 2000s, and Kim, who was the Philippines' country manager for Sotheby’s, started their journey into collecting art after a serendipitous trip to Japan in 2004. Their first exposure to Kusama’s distinctive art came when they attended a retrospective at the National Museum of Modern Art in Tokyo. Kim, initially unfamiliar with Kusama, was instantly captivated by her originality and versatility across various mediums, from small watercolors to large-scale installations.
“There was something very original and fresh about them,” Kim remarked in an interview, highlighting Kusama's skillfulness in different formats. Lito echoed her sentiments, expressing his awe after seeing Kusama's art in person for the first time.
After their initial experience, the couple’s commitment to buying Kusama's works intensified. Upon moving to Singapore in 2005, they capitalized on Kusama’s still-accessible prices, acquiring pieces that would significantly soar in value over the years. “They were about 10% of what her prices are now,” Kim explained. Determined, they scoured galleries and exhibitions, quickly building a collection substantial enough to hold their own exhibition within just five years.
The Camachos now boast over 100 works by Kusama, a collection that includes iconic pieces such as a striking 300-kilogram yellow pumpkin titled "Great Gigantic Pumpkin" and the installation "Ladder to Home," both of which have become centerpieces in their home.
In 2024, they loaned nine significant pieces for a major exhibition at the National Gallery Victoria in Melbourne, which featured nearly 200 pieces of Kusama's art and drew more than half a million visitors. This sort of recognition underscores the couple’s status as serious collectors within the global art scene. Among their displayed works were "Sex Obsession" and "Statue of Venus Obliterated by Infinity Nets," both of which attracted considerable attention.
Lito and Kim's enthusiasm for Kusama's art goes beyond mere aesthetics; they view it as a historical narrative. As Lito put it, “It’s the whole perspective of Kusama, from the earliest to the latest, in all the mediums she has done.” Their ambition is to one day hold a major retrospective that encapsulates Kusama’s evolution as an artist.
Meeting Kusama herself has been a highlight for the couple. During a visit to her studio in 2017, they shared an unexpected two-hour conversation with the artist, who, despite her age, displayed an almost childlike enthusiasm. “We had expected to have a couple of photos, maybe have something signed, and that’s it,” Lito recounted. Instead, they encountered a warm and engaging individual eager to share her experience.
Beyond their collecting pursuits, the Camachos are also dedicated philanthropists. They are involved with Scholas Occurrentes, a non-profit founded by Pope Francis, focusing on educational initiatives for youth.
For those intrigued by Kusama’s art, her works can also be experienced in Japan. The Yayoi Kusama Museum in Tokyo illustrates the breadth of her creativity, featuring both large installations and intimate pieces. Visitors can see her multi-colored polka-dotted pumpkin and the immersive "Ladder to Heaven," all intended to capture the essence of Kusama’s artistic vision.
The couple’s collection and their continued advocacy for Kusama’s work highlight not only a personal passion but also a deep appreciation for art's ability to transcend cultural boundaries. Their journey fits into a broader narrative of valuing modern art while also preserving its history for future generations.
As they continue to expand their collection, it’s clear that Lito and Kim Camacho are more than just collectors; they are dedicated custodians of Yayoi Kusama's legacy, ensuring that her extraordinary contributions to the art world remain celebrated and accessible for years to come.
