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Australia’s Largest Yayoi Kusama Retrospective Debuts at the NGV in Melbourne
The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) will host a major retrospective of renowned contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama, opening on 15 December, 2024. This comprehensive exhibition spans Kusama’s eight-decade career and includes the global premiere of a new immersive infinity mirror room.
Curated in collaboration with the artist, the exhibition features over 180 works, many of which have never been seen by Australian audiences. Displayed across the ground floor of NGV International, this retrospective is the largest in Australia and one of the most extensive globally. It traces Kusama’s journey from her childhood in the 1930s to her present-day practice, showcasing a rich selection of paintings, sculptures, collages, fashion, videos, and installations.
Kusama, born in Japan in 1929, is celebrated for her unique use of pattern, colour, and symbolism. Her work transcends cultural boundaries and has significantly influenced major art movements, including minimalism, pop art, and feminist art. The exhibition will feature several of her iconic immersive installations, including a new kaleidoscopic infinity mirror room, developed specifically for this showcase.
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Among the highlights are the Australian debut of Dancing Pumpkin, a 5-metre tall bronze sculpture conceived in 2020, and THE HOPE OF THE POLKA DOTS BURIED IN INFINITY WILL ETERNALLY COVER THE UNIVERSE, a visually striking installation with tentacular forms covered in polka dots. Additionally, visitors can experience a new iteration of Narcissus Garden, which consists of over 1400 stainless steel balls that create an immersive reflective landscape.
Kusama’s signature polka dots will extend into the public spaces of NGV International, featuring site-specific artworks such as an installation above the Great Hall titled Dots Obsession.
The exhibition will also highlight Kusama’s performance art, fashion designs, and activism from the late 1960s, providing insight into her early works through sketches, drawings, and photographs. It will conclude with her iconic pumpkin-themed works and extensive installations designed to immerse visitors in her unique vision.
Yayoi Kusama will be on display from 15 December, 2024, to 21 April, 2025, at NGV International. Entry fees apply.
Main image: Yayoi Kusama© YAYOI KUSAMA, Photo by Yusuke MiyazakiCourtesy of Ota Fine Arts
Frequently asked questions
Adult $38
Child (5–15 years) $18
Concession (Seniors card discount Wednesdays only) $35
Family (2 adults + 3 children) $94
NGV Member Adult $34
NGV Member Child (5–15 years) $16
NGV Member Family (2 adults + 3 children) $84
Are tickets available at the door?
A limited number of tickets might be available onsite; however, it is recommended to pre-book tickets through the NGV website.
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