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Yayoi Kusama’s "Narcissus Garden" invites reflection at Laumeier Sculpture Park

First shown in 1966, the work is on display at the sculpture park in Sunset Hill through May 14.

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The walls of Laumeier Sculpture Park’s Aronson Fine Arts Center are uncharacteristically blank. The floor, however, is a different story.

Nearly 1,000 mirrored orbs, casting thousands upon thousands of reflections, sit on the ground, laid out in a winding path. This is acclaimed Japanese contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama’s Narcissus Garden, first shown in 1966, on display at Laumeier through May 14.

Laumeier executive director Lauren Ross first experienced the work as part of a private collection in Connecticut and was inspired to share the installation, which acts as a sort of manufactured garden. “We’re just really excited to bring Kusama’s work to St. Louis,” says curator Dana Turkovic. “This is, for us, a good work to connect with our mission [of engaging the community through art and nature].”

Kusama is the increasingly rare artist-celebrity of today. At age 93, she is still working and collaborating, most recently with Louis Vuitton for a series of bags inspired by both Narcissus Garden and her wildly successful Infinity Rooms. Now, visitors to Laumeier will have a chance to experience Kusama’s immersive works for themselves.

“It’s overwhelming, in a sense, that you’re seeing these things in repetition. Repetition is a very important part of Kusama’s work, especially in the Infinity Rooms, which I think a lot of people are probably more familiar with, but that effect is also in this work as well,” says Turkovic. “There’s this idea that you’re seeing yourself from this skewed perspective, but it’s also bouncing the images of the environment all around you.”

For the first time in the Aronson Fine Arts Center, access to the exhibition will require a timed entry reservation. Just 20–25 people will be allowed to enter the space at a time, allowing for a chance to view the many reflections of the space and the people within it without having to fight any crowds. It also means that the exhibition will never look exactly the same to any one viewer—or in any one selfie.

“You’re seeing yourself within the work, but it’s so experiential that it just begs for images and photographs and kind of situating yourself within it,” says Turkovic. “Making those connections is going to be really fun.”

Art Partners

The Japan America Society of St. Louis lends its expertise to Narcissus Gardens programming.

Alongside Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama’s work in the Aronson Fine Arts Center, Laumeier Sculpture Park has planned a series of three events with the Japan America Society of St. Louis. The series explores different aspects of Japanese culture through activities and interactive experiences.

Kado, The Way of Flowers | March 11

Dr. Chikako Usui, chairman of the Japan America Society of St. Louis, will host this demonstration and conversation on the art of Kado, the “contemplative practice of flower arranging.” The delicate work encourages an appreciation for nature, harmony, and balance.

Shodo, The Way of Writing | March 23

Professional Shodo artist Kaori Ishijima will lead this workshop on traditional Japanese calligraphy, accompanied by the sounds of celebrated violinist Aska Kaneko Maret.

Chado, The Way of Tea | April 15

Experience the quiet intricacy, as well as the cultural and historical significance, of a traditional tea ceremony led by Japan America Society director Yuko Kitajima. Sip on matcha and listen to violin music as part of this beloved tradition.