SAM Extends Hours For Final Week Of Hugely Popular Kusama Show

Infinity Mirrored Room–Love Forever, 1966/94.

The huge success of Seattle Art Museum’s summer exhibition, Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors and its impending final day (Sunday, September 10th) has led to the museum announcing they will extend hours at SAM for the final week of September 3rd through the 10th. The Japanese artist’s “Infinity Mirror Rooms” have been a major draw for the show; the five installations in the exhibit only hold 1 or 2 people at a time for 30 second increments which can create bottlenecks at times.

But, for fans of the iconic artist who is best known for her repetitive patterns (frequently dots and circles) and bold color choices in addition to her “Infinity Rooms”, it’s worth the wait times. The 88 year old artist is acclaimed for being one of the most influential feminist artists of the last 60 years and her work still resonates with modern audiences of all ages. A particular favorite for every one who sees this show: the “Obliteration Room” which starts out as a simple, functional IKEA designed all white living space which is “obliterated” over the course of the exhibition with the addition of thousands and thousands of colorful dot stickers applied by exhibit goers.

I went on the Press Launch on June 28th prior to the public opening on June 30th…the Obliteration Room looked like THIS at that time:

Kusama’s Obliteration Room at Seattle Art Museum on June 28, 2017. Photo: Michael Strangeways for Seattle Gay Scene

When you go through the Obliteration Room at SAM, remember that I’m the one who “bulls-eyed” the laptop….

That Red Dot was applied by: Michael Strangeways/Seattle Gay Scene

Seattle mega star Nancy Guppy, host of Art Zone on the Seattle Channel, photo bombed me…

So many stars in one shot. Me…Nancy Guppy…the brilliance of Kusama…IKEA furniture….Magic.
Photo: Michael Strangeways

By the end, the Obliteration Room has been…OBLITERATED by COLOR!

The Obliteration Room, 2002-present, installed 2017.

More info on the extension.

SEATTLE, WA – The Seattle Art Museum’s summer exhibition, Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors, closes Sunday, September 10. This in-depth survey of the contemporary Japanese artist’s 65-year career attracted sold-out crowds since its opening on June 30, offering an unprecedented opportunity for visitors to experience five of the artist’s Infinity Mirror Rooms, as well as 60 works on paper, sculptures, and large-scale paintings from the 1950s to the present.

In anticipation of high demand, the museum will be open for additional hours during the final week of the exhibition. Helpful information for planning a visit is on the SAM website at visitsam.org/kusama.

This is the last opportunity to see the exhibition in the Pacific Northwest. After departing SAM, Infinity Mirrors heads to The Broad in Los Angeles (October 21, 2017–January 1, 2018), the Art Gallery of Ontario (March 3–May 27, 2018), the Cleveland Museum of Art (July 7–September 30, 2018), and the High Museum of Art in Atlanta (November 18, 2018–February 17, 2019).

 

TICKETING INFORMATION

Exhibition Hours: September 3–10

• Sunday, September 3: 10 am–5 pm
• Monday, September 4: 10 am–5 pm
• Tuesday, September 5: closed
• Wednesday, September 6: 10 am–5 pm
• Thursday, September 7: 10 am–11 pm
• Friday, September 8: 10 am–9 pm
• Saturday, September 9: 9 am–5 pm
• Sunday, September 10: 9 am–11 pm

 

Member Hours: September 3 & 4

Same-day tickets will be available on site beginning at 3 pm. The last timed ticket is sold for 9:30 pm. Guests of members are welcome.

• Sunday, September 3 and Monday, September 4: 4–11 pm

 

Daily Prices

• $34.95 Adult
• $32.95 Senior (65+)
• $29.95 Military (with ID)
• $24.95 Student (with ID), Teen (13–17)
• FREE for children (12 and under) and SAM members

 

EXHIBITION ORGANIZATION AND SUPPORT

 

Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors is organized by the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Smithsonian Institution.

The presentation of the exhibition at SAM is made possible by the SAM Fund for Special Exhibitions.