As the weather breaks, we are exploring new family-friendly activities and outings in The Bronx.   There is a new exhibit at the New York Botanical Garden, KUSAMA: Cosmic Nature by contemporary Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama that is visually compelling and certainly worth visiting.

KUSAMA: Cosmic Nature is Kusama’s “artistic concepts of obliteration, infinity, and eternity are inspired by her intimate engagement with the colors, patterns, and life cycles of plants and flowers.” The exhibit consists of multiple installations throughout the open gardens.  Each is vibrant and use Kusama’s love of polka dots, lines, and geometric shapes.

The installation opened April 9^th and features sculptures exclusive for the NYBG. The exhibit is anchored by a giant black and yellow octopus-like creation, titled Dancing Pumpkin, hovering over the ground. The scale of the piece cannot be overstated – it stands at over 16’ tall.  Other installations including hundreds of metallic balls over the lake, reflecting nature back, and a blue and red starburst suspended over water.

Yayoi Kusama, b. 1929, is a Japanese artist specializing in installations and sculptural art in bright, vivid colors and abstract shapes in abstract expressionism style. Much of her work is inspired by her mental health journey.  She is known for her bold, full immersive installations and use of polka dots, pattern, and repetition.

New York Botanical Garden is a 250-acre landscaped garden in The Bronx.  It features hundreds of plant and botanical species, dozens of installations, a world-renowned rose garden, and numerous bodies of water. NYBG offers free and reduced admission on Wednesdays for NYC residents (proof of residency, such as an ID, may be required).

Tickets for KUSAMA: Cosmic Nature are available through June 30^th.