Kusama

Experience the brilliant artist's lifelong obsession with nature and immersion in gardens, a bedrock of her hugely influential work.

Yayoi Kusama's groundbreaking work has mesmerised audiences since her first exhibitions in New York in the 1960s. Known for working in a broad range of media including painting, performance, sculpture, and installation in recent decades she has risen to worldwide fame through the explosive popularity of her mesmerizing infinity mirror rooms and vibrant sculptural installations. Yet the critical importance of botanical imagery and the artist's interest in nature has been underrepresented in American exhibitions of Kusama's art to date.

This landmark exhibition at the New York Botanical Garden, and the accompanying catalogue, will trace the artist's recurring engagement with natural forms and her surrealist exploration of biomorphism, patterns of accumulation inspired by organic growth, and visions of the boundlessness of the living universe. Integrating horticulture and art ranging from the artist's early sketches to her ever-popular monumental, immersive works and installations making their debut at NYBG, the volume – which features little-known work and archival images will explore the profound impact of the natural world through new, critical perspectives on Kusama's philosophy of life.

About the Authors

Mika Yoshitake is an independent curator, and most recently Curator at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington, D.C. Jenni Sorkin Alexandra Munroe is Senior Curator at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum.

Jenni Sorkin is Associate Professor of Contemporary Art History at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Karen Daubmann is Associate Vice President for Exhibitions and Public Engagement at NYBG.

Joanna L. Groarke is Director of Public Engagement and Library Exhibitions Curator, NYBG.