The highly-anticipated Yayoi Kusama exhibition will open its doors in NGV soon. We’ve already had a sneak peek of what’s to come, with the unveiling of a massive pumpkin inside Federation Court. And Melbourne is about to get a little more artsy, in celebration of this exciting exhibition. Over 60 plane trees along St Kilda Road in front of NGV International will be transformed with a colourful pink and white polka dot design. This artwork, Ascension of Polka Dots on the Trees, was developed for Melbourne by Yayoi Kusama herself. And you’ll be able to see these pink trees by Kusama for free!
Pink and white polka dot trees by Yayoi Kusama
This isn’t the first time that Kusama has covered trees with her vision. In 2002, she initially presented Ascension of Polka Dots on the Trees at the Kirishima Open Air Museum in Japan. At that time, the trees were displayed in red and white. But for Melbourne, she will use a bold pink and white polka-dotted fabric instead.
“We’re delighted to be able to extend our exhibition experience beyond the walls of the gallery and share Kusama’s creativity with as many visitors as possible through these free, accessible and all-ages artworks,” said Tony Ellwood AM, Director, NGV.
The glass waterwall will also be covered in a polka dot design, but the colours will be pink and black instead.
Other free installations include the aforementioned pumpkin sculpture, which is standing at five metres tall just inside the building.
Also in parts of Federation Court, and in front of the waterwall, you will encounter Narcissus Garden, 1966/2024. This will be a new iteration of the installation that was first presented unofficially at the Venice Biennale. Gaze at a sea of 1400 silver balls, each 30cm in diameter.
In the Great Hall, you will see Dots Obsession. This piece will feature yellow and black inflatable vinyl spheres, decked out in polka dots.
Meanwhile, in the free children’s gallery, you’ll find the interactive installation, The Obliteration Room, 2002-present. You’re invited to transform a white room by adding bright, colourful dots to the space.
The Yayoi Kusama exhibition will run from December 15 to April 21.