Brazil's Instituto Inhotim Opens New Permanent Yayoi Kusama Gallery
The exterior, made to reflect Brazil’s tropical rainforests, was conceived by architects Fernando Macula and Maria Paz.
Brazil’s Instituto Inhotim, located near Brumadinho, is renowned for housing Latin America’s vast contemporary art collection. Now, it adds a new permanent gallery, Galeria Yayoi Kusama, exclusively dedicated to the acclaimed Japanese contemporary artist.
Within Galeria Yayoi Kusama, visitors can immerse themselves in ethereal installations, including the beloved Infinity Room titled “Aftermath of Obliteration of Eternity” (2009). This deceptively simple space is constructed with metal, glass and wood, casting reflections across a sea of lights.
Another exhibit, “I’m Here, But Nothing” (2000), features a living room adorned with modest wood furnishings and sticker polka dots that come to life under a black light, creating an enchanting atmosphere. Architects Fernando Maculan and Maria Paz, mindful of the long queues that often accompany Kusama’s installations, designed an equally enchanting exterior.
The waiting area showcases black rectangular shades amidst a garden of over 4,000 bromeliads, reflecting the tropical rainforests of Brazil. “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,” stated the architects.
With Galeria Yayoi Kusama now open to the public, approximately 30 works are on display, inviting everyone to experience the universes of “The princess of polka dots.”
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Inhotim Museum
Rua B, 20 Fazenda Inhotim
Brumadinho – MG, 35460-000, Brazil
