Yayoi Kusama's Narcissus Garden Installed Outdoors at The Momentary in Arkansas

Nearly 900 mirrored spheres by Yayoi Kusama have been installed outdoors at The Momentary, the contemporary art satellite of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas, for a one-year display. The work, titled Narcissus Garden, was originally created in 1966 for the Venice Biennale, where Kusama placed the spheres on a lawn in front of the Italian Pavilion and sold them for $2 or 1200 lire while wearing a kimono, critiquing the commodification of art. The installation at The Momentary marks the first time the piece has been shown outdoors in an industrial setting, according to assistant curator Kaitlin Maestas. The reflective spheres cover the ground, symbolizing individuality and interconnectedness, while the mirrored surfaces evoke infinite existence. Kusama, born in Matsumoto, Japan in 1929, is known globally for her polka dots and immersive environments, but her earlier work includes political and activist themes. The spheres are made of stainless steel and are part of the OZ Art collection.