Work by Yayoi Kusama, whose exhibit “Infinity Mirrors” is now open at the Hirshhorn Museum

Dr. Gloria Sutton, Assistant Professor in the Department of Art and Design, is currently involved in a new exhibition featuring the work of Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama opening at the Hirshhorn Museum in Washington, DC.

Kusama, a prolific contemporary artist, has regained traction with modern audiences with the social media interest in her signature Infinity Mirror Rooms. Her work, however, extends far beyond these. The Hirshhorn exhibit, while entitled Infinity Mirrors, incorporates other aspects of her impressive career, including large, interactive installations and a collection of more than 60 paintings and sculptural pieces.

In addition to the physical pieces, the curators of Infinity Mirrors have collaborated with scholarly professionals in the art field to create a catalog that takes what the museum describes as “an unprecedented interdisciplinary approach to (Kusama’s) work.”

Sutton, who has lectured across the world on contemporary art, was amongst those selected to contribute to the catalog. An essay by Sutton is included in the catalog, commenting on Kusama’s work, history, art practices, and lasting legacy.

“It’s the work of scholars to expand and diversify the figures we teach. After this exhibition and its related programming, it is only a matter of time before we see a deeper consideration of her artistic enterprise outside of Japan,” Sutton said. “It’s not only her work that is important, but the ways that her sculpture, performance, films and events re-shape our understanding of the post-1945 landscape.”

In addition to her contribution to the catalog, Sutton will also be involved in discussion on Kusama hosted at the Hirshhorn on March 9, 2017. She will be seated on a panel with fellow art scholars and contributors Midori Yamamura and Miwako Tezuka.

On view at the Hirshhorn from February 23 to May 14, Infinity Mirrors marks the first North American tour of Kusama’s art in nearly twenty years. Following the tenure at the Hirshhorn, the exhibit will continue to other North American museums, including The Broad in Los Angeles and the Seattle Art Museum.

Read more about it in the Washington Post, here.