Hot New Installation at SAM Explores the Void
Tickets for the wildly anticipated exhibit lasted less than 24 hours.
By D. Scully June 26, 2017
This article originally appeared in the July 2017 issue of Seattle magazine.
Infinity mirrors explores the work of avant-garde artist and activist Yayoi Kusama, and the huge impact her infinity rooms have had during her career. These immersive spaces, lined with mirrored glass and reflecting light, give viewers the illusion of perpetually floating in space. Tickets sold out in a day. While Kusama’s infinity mirrors are at the heart of the show, drawings and paintings she has created throughout her career are included, highlighting the evolution of an artist whom many consider a fearless pioneer. Born in Japan, she spent many years in New York City, where, many say, she directly influenced Andy Warhol, and where she became a fan of performance art. She returned to Japan in the ’70s, where she churned out a successful series of novels and anthologies. Now in her 80s, Kusama continues to be prolific, and this show is a reminder that there’s much more to the creator of the infinity room than meets the mirror. June 30 through September 10. Times and prices vary. Seattle Art Museum, downtown, 1300 First Ave.; 206.625.8900
Follow Us
Every Dress Tells a Story
Dhivya Balasubramanian’s new collection reworks fashion classics using Indian textiles.
For Dhivya Balasubramanian, the story often starts with a sari. Sometimes a client brings one in, folded carefully and full of family history. Other times, Balasubramanian pulls from the collection she has gathered on trips to India. Either way, the fabric usually comes first. At her Queen Anne studio, it might become a gown, a…
Beyond the Notes: Xian Zhang Expands Seattle Symphony’s Reach
The music director talks representation in classical music and the work of bringing new audiences into the concert hall.
As Xian Zhang prepares to lead the Seattle Symphony into its 2026/2027 season, the acclaimed conductor returns to one of the city’s most storied cultural institutions. A Grammy and Emmy-winning maestro with an international résumé spanning the New Jersey Symphony, The Philadelphia Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic and major opera houses across Europe, Zhang’s relationship with…
Rearview Mirror: Lobster Rolls, Cold Plunges, and Opening Night at SIFF
Things I did, saw, ate, learned, or read in the past week (or so).
SIFF Goes Full Boots Last night, I covered the SIFF opening night red carpet for the first time, and it was as fun as I hoped. The festival opened at Paramount Theatre with I Love Boosters, Boots Riley’s new bonkers comedy about a group of professional shoplifters taking on a cold-blooded fashion girl boss. Keke…
Studio Sessions: Yaminee Patel
A second generation Indian American, artist Yaminee Patel uses her work to explore her heritage, a childhood growing up in the Midwest, and the larger economic and cultural factors surrounding agricultural practices around the world.
Over the past year, Yaminee Patel has narrowed her artistic focus, centering rice as the medium for her work. A symbol of sustenance, survival, hard work, and culinary tradition, rice is a deeply important element in many cultures around the world. It also represents the idea of sharing a meal together, creating human-to-human connection, which…