Tag Archives: DC Art Exhibits

March 31, 2022 · 10:53 pm

One with Eternity: Yayoi Kusama in the Hirshhorn Collection

We have been anticipating One with Eternity: Yayoi Kusama in the Hirshhorn Collection for a long time. The exhibit was originally scheduled to open in spring of 2020, but, well, we all know what happened. It’s finally opening tomorrow, April 1, and the wait for it, especially after all that we and the world have gone through, makes it even more exciting, more vivid, and more meaningful now.

The exhibit is smaller than Kusama’s Infinity Mirrors, which was an absolute sensation. This time there are just five major pieces, all of them part of the Hirshhorn’s permanent collection. Two infinity rooms (including one from the last exhibition) and the yellow and black polka dot Pumpkin are sure to be the most popular (ie, Instagrammed). Infinity Mirrored Room–My Heart is Dancing into the Universe is my favorite, a colorful, trippy walk-through that immerses you in glowing orbs and polka dots.

Other elements of the exhibit are also really interesting. Don’t miss the timeline of Kusama’s life and work — it’s fascinating. You can learn that she sewed parachutes in a military factory during World War II, how she wrote a letter to Georgia O’Keefe seeking advice on being an artist in the US (and got a response), that dots have been part of her work for a long time, she has written novels, and many more interesting details of her personal and artistic history.

While the last Kusama exhibit at the Hirshhorn was here for less than three months, this one will run for eight months, until the end of November. With more time for a chance to see it, this hopefully will make it easier to obtain passes. And I highly recommend going. It really will make your heart dance.

How to see One with Eternity
The Hirshhorn will distribute free same-day Timed Passes daily, Thursday – Sunday, at the Museum starting at 9:30am throughout the run of the upcoming exhibition. All visitors age 12 and up must have a pass. Children ages 12 and under do not need a passif they are accompanied by an adult passholder. Each adult passholder may bring up to two children into the exhibition and each Infinity Mirror Room. [Update: Next-day passes to the exhibit arenow being released daily at noon on the Hirshhorn website.]

You can also become a Hirshhorn Insiders member and reserve an available date in advance to experience the exhibit. Hirshhorn Insider memberships start at $100.

Tips & More Info
* My guess is that, in the first few weeks, people will start lining up early each day to get free passes, well before the 9:30am distribution start time. If you’re very eager to see the exhibit, line up early to ensure you get passes.
* Keep in mind that you may get passes timed for later in the day, so have a plan for other things to do until it’s your time to go. This shouldn’t be too hard considering all of the other nearby museums.
* There may be lines and waits to enter the Infinity Rooms, so be prepared for that, especially if you’re with young kids. Perhaps bring along something to keep them occupied in case you have to wait.
* Strollers are allowed in the exhibition galleries but not inside either of the Infinity Mirror Rooms.

One with Enternity: Yayoi Kusama in the Hirshhorn Collection
Where: Hirshhorn Museum | National Mall, DC
When: April 1 – ~~November 27~~ through July 16
Admission: Free — Next-day passes to the exhibit are released daily at noon on the Hirshhorn website.

Immerse in Life of a Neuron at ARTECHOUSE

ARTECHOUSE has explored a variety themes and concepts through digital art since it opened in Southwest DC just over four years ago. The gallery known for its fusion of art and technology has presented exhibitions inspired by seasons, space, natural phenomenon, color, and more themes that are part of our human experience, though outside of our actual beings.

The newest exhibition, Life of a Neuron, takes us on the inside as it features the “thinking cells” of the brain.

As ARETCHOUSE describes it: “Life of a Neuron brings artists and scientists together for a groundbreaking collaboration to explore how the brain shapes the shared human experience. Through collaboration with the Society for Neuroscience and the world’s leading scientists and creatives, this immersive exhibit will allow us to experience a neuron—from pre-birth to death—providing an experiential view of life at a cellular level.”

Like all exhibitions there, the core installation is the digital projections in the main gallery. Trippy, captivating scenes swirl around the walls and floors while dramatic music plays in the background. It’s interesting to see what kinds of images and color combinations are coming next. (Note: While some past exhibits at ARTEHOUSE have been soothing and peaceful, this one isn’t so much, something to be aware of for kids who are sensitive to a lot of stimulation.)

The side galleries feature smaller installations with interactive elements. They looked intriguing, though to be honest, it was difficult to get a close look at all of them during the media preview, as we were trying to maintain space. (Timed-entry tickets during the exhibit’s run should keep that from being an issue.)

The bar is back open — Thursday – Monday, 11am – 10pm — with its menu of exhibit-inspired cocktails, plus beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks. Sasha and I enjoyed refreshing sodas, and I recommend the Rosemary Cardamom! Be sure to download the ARTECHOUSE the app for the “extended reality” experience that transforms drinks into sparkling sensations!

Life of a Neuron
Where: ARTECHOUSE | 1238 Maryland Ave. SW
When: September 27 – November 28
Admission: $24/adult, $17/age 4-15, free/under 4

Immerse in the “Spirit of Autumn” with a New Exhibit at ARTECHOUSE

Walking into Spirit of Autumn, the latest digital exhibit from ARTECHOUSE, is kind of like entering a seasonal dreamworld. From floor-to-ceiling imagery projected onto the walls to audio of birds singing to opportunities to “play” in leaves, the large-scale installation captures quintessential fall with an enchanting multi-sensory experience for all ages.

Just like the gallery’s debut summer exhibition XYZT: Abstract Landsapes, this one encourages interaction with the help of technology. Visitors can manipulate images with their movements and trigger some elements with sound.

In the main room, leaves will gather and blow in the wind as you walk (or dance!) alongside beautiful autumn scenes. Sound sensors will make kids and adults feel like they have super powers by making it rain, thunder, and lightening with the clap of the hands. In two smaller rooms, you can walk through leaves projected onto the floor and make ethereal swirl of lights appear with each new step.

Your art can be part of the exhibit, too. A back room is set up with tables and supplies to color your own leaf, which will be added to the mix of foliage blowing around the walls in the big gallery. I recommend going there first, so you can enjoy seeing your leaf among the rest as you take in the scenes.

Mine is the spiral 🙂

It’s beautiful and engaging, as well as a unique way to celebrate the season and enjoy innovative art all at once. Kids and adults alike will be dazzled.

Here’s a video peek to go along with the photos:

Spirit of Autumn is running at ARTECHOUSE through November 5. Daytime hours for all ages are 10am – 4pm daily, and admission is $8/child, $12/adult. Evening hours for ages 21+ are 6-10pm, and admission is $20. Book your tickets in advance, as they’re likely to sell out ahead of time.