Contemporary Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama has created an incredible display at the New York Botanical Garden. Running from April through the end of October, Kusama: Cosmic Nature, features various different art installations throughout the garden. I checked it out a few months ago with some friends and we really enjoyed it. With it coming to a close in just a couple weeks, I wanted to share it with you all and encourage you to check it out if you can.
Kusama lived in New York City from 1958 to 1973, so having such a large and thoughtfully designed exhibition here totally makes sense. After that, she returned to Japan where she continued to create and show art, as well as write multiple novels and anthologies. Most of her work revolves around the theme of life, death, and the interconnectedness of living things. According to her website, Kusama has been painting her signature polka dots and nets as motifs since age ten. The 92-year-old artist still continues to thrive and inspire us through her sculptures, installations, paintings, writings, and more.
Kusama: Cosmic Nature
The art exhibition is truly unique. Basically, you get a map to guide you around the NYBG so you can find each installation. From giant sculptures to an intimate gallery of her early work, you really get to experience the range of Kusama’s talent. You can see her inspiration of plants and nature in every piece. Her signature pumpkins and vibrant red and white polka dots are showcased throughout the landscape in a way that feels so organic.
Between all of the gorgeous flowers and extravagant sculptures, it felt like taking a stroll through Wonderland. According to the NYBG website, “Her artistic concepts of obliteration, infinity, and eternity are inspired by her intimate engagement with the colors, patterns, and life cycles of plants and flowers.” It does take a while to walk to every installation, and some do have lines, so expect to spend a couple hours wondering. It’s definitely a pleasant way to enjoy the fresh air and experience some really amazing contemporary art.
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Tickets for adults are $35 and there are discounts for seniors, students, and kids. The last day to see the exhbit is October 31.
Here are my photos from the exhibit, in case you don’t get to see it in person:
Are you familiar with Kusama’s work?
Have you seen the Kusama: Cosmic Nature exhibit?
