Yayoi Kusama Exhibition Coming to Melbourne’s NGV this Summer
NOW OPEN, Melbourne’s NGV International will host a major exhibition celebrating Yayoi Kusama’s extraordinary eight-decade career this summer.
Japanese artist, Yayoi Kusama, is one of the most iconic and influential contemporary artists. The Kusama exhibition will span the entire ground floor of NGV International. It will be the most comprehensive display of her work ever shown in Australia.
Over 180 pieces will be featured, including several of Kusama’s famous immersive rooms plus never-before-seen works. The Yayoi Kusama exhibition will run from 15 December 2024 to 21 April 2025 at NGV International.
>> Head straight to our personal tidbits including accessibility for NGV International
Yayoi Kusama Exhibition 2024
In 2017, we had the incredible opportunity to witness Yayoi Kusama’s work at the Museum of Old and New Art in Hobart, and we were absolutely captivated.
Her vibrant colours, the immersive nature of her art, and the sheer emotional depth of her pieces left a lasting impression on us. So, when we heard that the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) was launching a major retrospective of Kusama’s work this December, we knew it would be a must-see.
What makes this exhibition so unique is that it’s curated in collaboration with Kusama herself, specially designed for Australian audiences.
A Celebration of Kusama’s Career
The NGV Yayoi Kusama exhibition promises a rich experience, showcasing her work across various mediums—painting, sculpture, video, fashion, and installation. It offers a deep dive into Kusama’s artistic journey from her early days in the 1930s through to her latest creations.
Kusama’s Signature Style and Innovations
Born in Japan in 1929, Yayoi Kusama has long been celebrated for her distinct style. She is known for her use of bold patterns, especially polka dots, and her ability to craft immersive, otherworldly environments.
Whether it’s through her paintings, sculptures, or installations, her work transcends cultural boundaries, speaking a universal language of creativity and self-expression.
Kusama’s contributions to major art movements, including minimalism, pop art, and feminist art, are monumental. Her ability to blend personal themes of mental health, identity, and infinity with broader societal issues continues to make her work relevant today.
A Journey Through Infinity
One of the most exciting aspects of the Yayoi Kusama gallery is the unveiling of Kusama’s latest immersive infinity mirror room, created specifically for this exhibition.
These infinity rooms use mirrors to create the illusion of infinite space, drawing viewers into an almost otherworldly experience. If you’ve never stepped into one, it’s a magical and transformative experience—one where the boundaries between the self and the artwork seem to disappear.
Alongside this new installation, the exhibition features several of Kusama’s renowned immersive installations, allowing visitors to experience her art in truly engaging and unforgettable ways.
Dancing Pumpkin and Other Highlights
A major highlight of the Kusama exhibition is the Australian debut of Dancing Pumpkin, a towering 5-metre-tall bronze sculpture created by Kusama in 2020. This monumental piece takes her iconic pumpkin motif to new heights and invites audiences to walk beneath its massive form. It’s both playful and awe-inspiring, offering a fresh perspective on her beloved pumpkin symbol.
In addition, another impressive installation is THE HOPE OF THE POLKA DOTS BURIED IN INFINITY WILL ETERNALLY COVER THE UNIVERSE. This 2019 work stands at a towering 6 metres and features tentacle-like forms covered in yellow and black polka dots, creating an otherworldly experience for viewers.
Together, these installations brilliantly showcase Kusama’s talent for transforming everyday shapes and patterns into extraordinary, thought-provoking art.
Narcissus Garden: Reflecting on Self-Absorption
One of Kusama’s most iconic installations, Narcissus Garden, first shown at the Venice Biennale in 1966, is a highlight of this exhibition. Made up of over 1,400 stainless steel balls, the piece offers both a literal and figurative reflection on self-absorption. As visitors enter the Yayoi Kusama gallery, they’re greeted by these mirrored spheres, creating an endlessly repeating landscape.
Inspired by the Greek myth of Narcissus, the installation invites reflection on how we see ourselves and the world around us. In an exciting development, the NGV is aiming to acquire this piece for its permanent collection, with donations being raised through its 2024 Annual Appeal.
Kusama’s Radical Past
Kusama is best known for her immersive installations and dot-filled art, but this exhibition also highlights her radical, performance-based work from the 1960s and 70s.
Visitors can dive into this era by exploring her bold performances, fashion designs, and activism. During this time, Kusama’s psychedelic “happenings” challenged social norms and promoted sexual liberation and peace.
The exhibition features rarely seen archival materials like photographs, film, letters, and posters. These items provide a candid glimpse into her life in New York, where her studio became a hotspot for artistic innovation and political activism.
Fashion lovers will enjoy seeing over 20 avant-garde designs from the 1960s, which pushed boundaries and blurred the line between art and fashion.
Pumpkins, Infinity Nets, and Beyond
The second half of the exhibition focuses on Kusama’s later works, including her famous pumpkin-themed pieces. These have become symbols of comfort, nostalgia, and infinity for the artist. Her renowned Infinity Net paintings and sculptures will also be on display.
Visitors can also explore her celebrated room installations. These immersive environments invite reflection on time, space, and infinity. More than just visual experiences, they encourage deep contemplation on the self and the universe.
Kusama for Kids
One of the fantastic elements of this exhibition is how it caters to all ages. NGV’s children’s gallery will be transformed into an immersive Kusama world, offering kids a hands-on experience.
It’s a great opportunity to introduce younger audiences to contemporary art in a fun, engaging way.
Beyond the Gallery
Kusama’s signature polka dots will extend beyond the gallery walls, transforming NGV’s public spaces. The iconic Waterwall and the Great Hall will be adorned with Kusama’s dots, creating a playful and immersive atmosphere throughout the gallery.
Massive floating balloons in the Great Hall, part of the Dots Obsession installation, will hover above visitors, ensuring the Kusama experience starts the moment you walk in.
Tidbits for Visiting Yayoi Kusama NGV Melbourne
- The Yayoi Kusama exhibition runs from 15 December 2024 to 21 April 2025 at NGV International.;
- Seniors card discount is available at concession prices;
- Plan to spend 1.5+ hours exploring the exhibition;
- Comfortable seating areas are located throughout to take a rest;
- Kusama for Kids is a fun companion for the exhibition, held in the Children’s Gallery, this part of the exhibition is free;
- Enjoy an easy lunch or drink from the NGV cafe;
- Other dining options include the Garden Restaurant or Tea Rooms;
- We recommend a visit to the nearby NGV Australia, but you might need another whole day for this.
NGV Accessibility
- Ramp access, lifts and accessible toilets;
- Large print guides, hearing loops and audio guides are available;
- Read more about visiting NGV International here;
- Located 500 metres from Flinders St Station, with buses and trams stopping nearby;
- Various parking facilities are close by.
NGV International
180 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne VIC 3006
(03) 8620 2222 https://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/
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