Wrightwood 659 Opens Two Exhibitions Featuring Kusama, de Saint Phalle, and Bauermeister
On September 25, 2026, Wrightwood 659 in Chicago is set to launch two exhibitions featuring socially relevant art. The first, “Inner Worlds: Visions from the Hirshhorn Collection,” showcases the innovative works of three influential female artists: Yayoi Kusama, born in 1929, Niki de Saint Phalle (1930–2002), and Mary Bauermeister (1934–2023). These artists, from Japan, France, and Germany, respectively, broke through the constraints society placed on women by relocating to New York in the early 1960s. Their formative years were marked by economic struggles, fascism, and the devastation of World War II. While details of the second exhibition remain under wraps, it promises to resonate with the gallery's mission of promoting meaningful art.
Key facts
- Two exhibitions open at Wrightwood 659 in Chicago on September 25, 2026.
- Exhibition 'Inner Worlds: Visions from the Hirshhorn Collection' features Yayoi Kusama, Niki de Saint Phalle, and Mary Bauermeister.
- The three artists were born in Japan, France, and Germany between 1929 and 1934.
- All three artists moved to New York by the early 1960s.
- The artists' work addresses perception and embodiment.
- The exhibitions fulfill Wrightwood 659's commitment to socially engaged art.
- The artists lived through economic instability, fascism, and World War II.
Entities
Artists
- Yayoi Kusama
- Niki de Saint Phalle
- Mary Bauermeister
Institutions
- Wrightwood 659
- Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
Locations
- Chicago
- United States
- Japan
- France
- Germany
- New York