‘Kusama: Cosmic Nature’ opens at NY Botanical Garden April 1
‘Kusama with Pumpkin,’ 2010. ©Yayoi Kusama. Courtesy of Ota Fine Arts, Tokyo / Singapore / Shanghai; Victoria Miro, London; David Zwirner, New York
NEW YORK – Contemporary Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama reveals her lifelong fascination with the natural world in a spectacular installation across the 250-acre landscape at the New York Botanical Garden that will open April 10 and remain on view through Oct. 31. The show is titled “Kusama: Cosmic Nature.”
Tickets go on sale to the public beginning March 16. Due to New York State and City guidelines for social distancing and visitor safety, tickets are limited.
Across the grounds, visitors will discover installations that include the artist’s legendary Narcissus Garden (1966/2021) in the Native Plant Garden. Nearby, marvel at Ascension of Polka Dots on the Trees (2002/2021), where soaring trees are adorned in vibrant red with white polka dots. The horticultural spectacle across the landscape changes throughout the seasons, with tulips and irises in spring, dahlias and sweet peas in summer, and pumpkins and chrysanthemums in fall.
In and around the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, Kusama’s work comes to life through a seasonal progression of violas, salvias, zinnias, chrysanthemums and other colorful annuals, while her plant-inspired, polka-dotted sculptures are nestled among meadow grasses, bellflowers and water lilies, including Hymn of Life—Tulips (2007) in the Conservatory Courtyard Hardy Pool. Her mesmerizing Pumpkins Screaming About Love Beyond Infinity (2017) is on view in the Visitor Center gallery.
In the LuEsther T. Mertz Library Building, explore paintings, biomorphic collages, sculpture and works on paper inspired by Kusama’s deep knowledge of nature, and in the adjacent Ross Gallery, enjoy Walking Piece (circa 1966), a multiscreen digital projection of a performance work from the artist’s collection.
The Garden has incorporated safety measures based on best practices and guidelines from health authorities and government agencies. Admission to the Garden is currently available through the advance purchase of timed tickets. For more information, go to nybg.org/visit.
