Nick Cave's 'Mammoth' at Smithsonian American Art Museum
The Smithsonian American Art Museum is hosting Nick Cave's captivating solo exhibition titled 'Mammoth,' which showcases a 70-foot-long illuminated table adorned with thousands of items such as faux fruits, jeweled vegetables, wooden canes, glass fish, toy trucks, and leather slippers. This collection provides insight into Cave's upbringing in Missouri, influenced by a lineage of makers, musicians, poets, and artisans. Additionally, the exhibition features constructed mammoth hides and bones, alongside a video that animates these creatures, exploring themes of death, resurrection, and progress. Renowned for his sculptural Soundsuits, Cave applies his meticulous craftsmanship to this display. The exhibition is open from February 13, 2026, to January 3, 2027, in Washington, D.C.
Key facts
- Nick Cave's solo exhibition 'Mammoth' is at the Smithsonian American Art Museum
- Features a 70-foot-long illuminated table with thousands of objects
- Objects include faux fruits, bejeweled vegetables, wooden canes, glass fish, toy trucks, leather slippers
- The collection offers a deep dive into Cave's history growing up in Missouri
- Cave comes from a family of makers, musicians, poets, singers, craftsmen, woodworkers, quilters
- The show includes constructed mammoth hides and bones and a video projection
- Themes include death, resurrection, and carrying on
- Exhibition dates: February 13, 2026 to January 3, 2027
Entities
Artists
- Nick Cave
Institutions
- Smithsonian American Art Museum
- The New York Times
- My Modern Met
Locations
- Missouri
- Washington, D.C.
- United States