permanent yayoi kusama gallery opens at inhotim contemporary art center in brazil

Instituto Inhotim unveils Galeria Yayoi Kusama

Contemporary art center Instituto Inhotim in Brumadinho, Brazil, inaugurates its latest Galeria Yayoi Kusama, dedicated exclusively to the renowned Japanese artist. Developed by architects Fernando Maculan (MACh) and Maria Paz (Rizoma), the architecture of the new gallery encompasses an area of 1,436.97 sqm, playing with the idea of waiting and lingering in a convivial space. For its opening, the gallery welcomes two immersive installations: I’m Here, But Nothing (2000) and Aftermath of Obliteration of Eternity (2009), which were acquired by the institute in 2008 and 2009, respectively. The iconic works fill the newly developed spaces with mesmerizing lights and immerse visitors into Kusama’s famous dots.

Galeria Yayoi Kusama at Instituto Inhotim | image by Daniel Mansur

yayoi kusama’s works settle permanently in brazil

‘The opening of Galeria Yayoi Kusama fulfills a central artistic ambition at Inhotim for the work of one of the most visionary artists of our time,’ says Allan Schwartzman, Co-Founder of Inhotim (find more here). The two immersive installations will find their permanent abode alongside Yayoi Kusama’s Narcissus Garden (1966/2009) which also settles at the Brazilian art institute. The first installation envelops visitors in an optical transformation, turning a dim room into a psychological realm of sensory overload, while the second beckons contemplation within an infinity room. Moreover, suspended above the natural landscape of Inhotim, a garden composed of countless metallic spheres captivates with its ethereal flotation. ‘Galeria Yayoi Kusama embodies the highest goals of Inhotim to provide unique environments for the experience of exceptional large-scale artworks for a wide-ranging and diverse audience,’ Schwartzman adds.

the main entrance of the new gallery dedicated to Yayoi Kusama | image by Daniel Mansur

the architecture of Galeria Yayoi Kusama at Inhotim

The architectural project of Galeria Yayoi Kusama was developed by architects Fernando Maculan (MACh) and Maria Paz (Rizoma). Encompassing an area of 1,436.97 sqm, it finds its place along the Orange Path, adjacent to Galeria Cosmococa and the Trails Garden. The gallery’s architectural vision thoughtfully considers both the protected space required for housing the installations and the comfort of the visiting public, with a deliberate intention of creating a convivial space where visitors can wait and linger. ‘The importance of Yayoi Kusama’s work and its undeniable appeal to large audiences drove the project to incorporate a spacious waiting and preparation area,’ explain the architects.

The landscaping of Galeria Yayoi Kusama unfolds with a winding path crafted from stones, elegantly unveiling the gallery to the public. The path’s gentle curves precede the gallery, piquing the curiosity of those who approach. The landscaping endeavor was skillfully carried out by Juliano Borin, Inhotim’s Botanical Curator, along with Geraldo Farias from Inhotim’s Botanical Garden team, with valuable contributions from Bernardo Paz. The envisioned garden draws inspiration from the vibrant hues of a multicolored tropical paradise infused with a touch of psychedelia. Over 4,000 bromeliads have been thoughtfully planted, further enriching this captivating oasis of nature’s artistic allure.

the architecture plays with the idea of waiting and lingering in a convivial space | image by Daniel Mansur