You might recognise Yayoi Kusama from her bold pumpkins or her kaleidoscopic infinity rooms. This phenomenal contemporary artist has captivated audiences with her colourful creations, leading to sold out exhibitions around the world. And soon, the largest Kusama exhibition in Australia is coming to Melbourne. See her striking creations take over the ground floor of National Gallery Victoria this summer, with beloved pieces from her eight-decade career, as well as never-before-seen works. The Yayoi Kusama exhibition will open at NGV on Sunday December 15, and run until Monday April 21 in 2025.
Yayoi Kusama exhibition at NGV
This massive summer exhibition will showcase over 180 artworks by Kusama. Featuring painting, sculpture, collage, fashion, video and installation, this will be one of the most comprehensive retrospectives of the artist ever presented globally. It will explore her entire career, from her childhood in the 1930s to the present day. Her work will take over the ground floor, and extend into the surrounding areas like the Waterwall, Great Hall and Federation Court.
“There are few artists working today with the global presence of Yayoi Kusama,” said NGV Director Tony Ellwood AM. “This world-premiere NGV-exclusive exhibition is the largest ever presented in our region, allowing local audiences and visitors alike the chance to experience Kusama’s practice in deeper and more profound ways than ever before.”
What to expect
See Kusama’s iconic pumpkins throughout the exhibition, including the newly acquired, five-metre-tall sculpture, Dancing Pumpkin.
As you journey through the exhibition, you’ll also discover her infinity rooms. A new, kaleidoscopic infinity mirror room is currently in development, and will make its global premiere at the exhibition.
“We are indebted to Yayoi Kusama and her studio for their passion and collaboration on this special project,” said Ellwood. “Without the artist’s personal dedication to this exhibition – and excitement to share her worldview with Australian audiences – none of this would be possible.”
You’ll also see the Australian premiere of The Hope of the Polka Dots Buried In Infinity Will Eternally Cover The Universe. This six-metre high piece is made up of tentacular forms, covered in yellow and black polka dots.
Also making an appearance is a new iteration of Narcissus Garden, which was first presented at the Venice Biennale in 1966. This installation is made up of 1400 stainless silver balls, which will be on display as you first enter the gallery. Each metallic sphere is 30cm in diameter, and as they reflect one another, they create an endless reflection for you to lose yourself in.
There will also be a dedicated display in the kids gallery, as well as the return of NGV Friday Nights.