2023 Curators in Conversation on Yayoi Kusama Remarkable Career: Christopher Bedford, Melissa Chiu, and Lynn ZelevanskyNEW

Join us for a conversation between curators Christopher Bedford, Melissa Chiu, and Lynn Zelevansky on the occasion of Yayoi Kusama’s exhibition I Spend Each Day Embracing Flowers at David Zwirner New York and One with Eternity: Yayoi Kusama in the Hirshhorn Collection.

The noted curators will join in an in-depth discussion on Kusama’s remarkable career, her place in the canon of art history, and her influence beyond its boundaries.

Please note that capacity is extremely limited and advance RSVP is required.
RSVP to [email protected]

One of Kusama’s largest gallery exhibitions to date, marking ten years since her first show with David Zwirner, I Spend Each Day Embracing Flowers features all new works, including paintings, sculptures, and an Infinity Mirror Room. Engaging flora and the natural world in her work since the 1950s, Kusama elaborates on her signature motifs of flowers and pumpkins in the exhibition, which takes its name from three monumental flower sculptures.

About the Panelists
Christopher Bedford is the Helen and Charles Schwab Director of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and previously served as the Dorothy Wagner Wallis Director of the Baltimore Museum of Art and as Commissioner for the US Pavilion for the 2017 Venice Biennale.

Melissa Chiu is the Director of the Smithsonian's Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington, DC, and commissioned Yayoi Kusama’s exhibition of Infinity Mirror Rooms in 2017 that toured across the country to five other museums. The exhibition One with Eternity: Yayoi Kusama in the Hirshhorn Collection will be on view at the museum until July 16, 2023.

Lynn Zelevansky is an art historian, curator, writer, and the former Henry J. Heinz II Director of the Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh. She co-curated the 1998 exhibition Love Forever: Yayoi Kusama 1958-1968 at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, which also traveled to The Museum of Modern Art in New York.

Date
Thursday, June 1, 2023, 6PM

Location
New York | 519 West 19th Street

Yayoi Kusama Largest Gallery Exhibition

David Zwirner Gallery

Who is Japan Artist Yayoi Kusama
Yayoi Kusama is a highly influential and popular Japanese artist known for her unique artistic style and immersive installations. She was born on March 22, 1929, in Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan. Kusama has experienced both critical acclaim and commercial success throughout her career, making her one of the most renowned contemporary artists.

Kusama's work is characterized by repetitive patterns, dots, and vibrant colors, often exploring themes of infinity, self-obliteration, and the relationship between the individual and the universe. She employs a wide range of mediums, including painting, sculpture, performance art, and installation.

One of her most famous creations is the "Infinity Mirror Rooms," which are mirrored installations filled with various objects covered in polka dots. These rooms create an illusion of endless space, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in an infinite and dreamlike environment.

Kusama's art resonates with people on multiple levels. Her work often reflects her personal experiences and struggles with mental health, specifically her battles with hallucinations and obsessions. This vulnerability and self-expression have resonated with audiences worldwide, as many people can relate to themes of identity, mental health, and the desire for a sense of belonging.

Furthermore, Kusama's art is visually striking and accessible, appealing to a wide range of viewers. Her use of bold colors, repetition, and immersive environments creates a sense of wonder and captivation. Her installations, such as her polka-dot-covered pumpkins or mirror rooms, provide a unique and interactive experience for visitors.

Kusama's popularity has also been boosted by her collaborations with various fashion and design brands, such as Louis Vuitton, and her exhibitions in renowned art institutions around the world. Her artworks have been showcased in major museums, galleries, and international events, garnering widespread attention and admiration.

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