steps spilling over with pumpkins & gourds - [3] Mertz Gallery
"The Garden is uniquely suited to present this once-in-a-lifetime display of Yayoi Kusama’s work for our visitors. An exceptional selection of work invites visitors into her universe, to consider her practice through her unique vision of the natural world."
"Our subtitle, 'Cosmic Nature,' references her bold investigations of materiality, media, color, form, and pattern that proliferate into an expansive sense of becoming with the cosmos. We are thrilled to mount this focused survey of the work of one of the most influential artists of our time." ~ Carrie Rebora Barratt, NYBG President
Legendary artist Yayoi Kusamais a global sensation. She has paved the way for minimalism, pop art, performance art, and immersive art installations. Her radical works featuring pumpkins, flowers, polka dots, loops, and mirrors - excavating ideas of self-obliteration, fear, and infinity - have attracted massive audiences to prestigious art institutions around the world.
Although much has been written about Kusama’s popular Infinity Nets, her critically acclaimed Infinity Mirror Rooms, her mental illness, and even her rise to stardom, the artist’s eternal fascination with nature is an essential aspect of her prolific Avant Garde career.
Because of COVID-19, we had not seen each other for almost two years. Now that we were double vaccinated we looked forward to our shared adventure in the sun and open spaces of nature. NYBG is a favorite venue of ours - enhanced even more by Kusama's art.
It was the last day of the exhibit and Halloween. Though the throng of folks was more than we cared for the atmosphere was delightfully festive and fun. We were so eager, excited, and entertained - happy! happy! happy!
Before the gardens opened at 10:00 am, we entered the Mosholu gates rather than the main entrance. They had benches available where we could wait in the warm sunshine on a nippy day.
Taking it easy before covering over 8000 steps all around the gardens on the day's adventure. We began looking for the polka dots that marked each art installation.
This worked in our favor because we started our tour at The Mertz Library Building [3 on the map]. Where the gallery showcased a selection of Kusama’s early works that show the influence of the natural world on her against the backdrop of the avant-garde New York City climate between 1958 and 1973.
From there we walked back down the main avenue of oaks - past trees wrapped in Kusama's signature dots [8] - Ascension of Polka Dots. We took some selfies and headed to Flower Obsession [2], Kusama's first ever obliteration greenhouse set on the grounds. We each got a pink silk flower to plant anywhere within the white pop-up cottage.
Next was the famed Infinity Mirrored Room [10] - Illusion Inside the Heart (2020), responds to varying natural light through colored glass throughout the day and seasons. Kusama's childhood hallucinations inspires her artistic vision and delight us with their dotty and wild repeating images.
From there we headed to the glass conservatory - passing the Dancing Pumpkin interactive art [9] on our way to Kusama's horticultural and art displays [5] - Kiku Japanese chrysanthemums, Starry Pumpkin mosaic sculpture, Hymn of Life-Tulips, My Soul Blooms Forever - where wild and weird blooms flourished.
We were at our halfway point by then - being hot, tired and hungry was our prefect excuse to take a break and have lunch. Through Open Table we had previously booked a table at the Hudson Grill for 1:00 pm - it was only 11:30 but we were easily accommodated and got a garden table off to the side and away from the gathering crowd.
The food, drinks and service were superb - even with the limited menu it was so tempting to over-order. We sat in the warm sunshine with a cooling breeze as we caught up on more intimate conversations we missed over our time apart.
Fully fed and stuffed we continued the rest of our stroll through the gardens and exhibits, now well fortified once again. We backtracked to the Ross Gallery for the Walking Piece [4] - a slide projection of her 1966 performance art with more biographical information on Kusama through early years.
From here we made our way back toward the main entrance where we had parked. We entered the darkened hall and indoor exhibit of Pumpkins Screaming About Love Beyond infinity [1]. Then back tracked once more to get to I Want to Fly to the Universe [6] - a huge floating flower in a reflecting pool.
Then there was the spectacular but out of the way and easily missed Narcissus Garden [7] of floating silver reflecting balls on water. We walked back to the parking lot where we said our goodbyes after a blissful day together in a magical place made even more joyful by Kusama's whimsical art.
Unlike us mere mortals, at 92 years old, Yayoi Kusama does not seem to be slowing down. May she continue to regale us with her quintessential cosmic outlook. May her art bring us joy and delight forever.
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