This week, Jared Bowen reviews an exhibition at the Addison Gallery of American Art and takes us into “LOVE IS CALLING,” the largest of Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirror Rooms.

“Men of Steel, Women of Wonder,” on view at the Addison Gallery of American Art through January 5, 2020

Men of Steel, Women of Wonder
Jason Bard Yarmosky, Wintered Fields, 2016. Oil on canvas 72 x 144 in.
Courtesy of the artist and the Addison Gallery of American Art

It’s Superman and Wonder Woman, like you’ve never seen them before. “Men of Steel, Women of Wonder” dissects the 80-year history and cultural significance of these American pop culture icons through more than 70 paintings, photographs, videos and more. Organized by the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, this exhibition is a thought-provoking look at how these two characters — both immigrants — have embodied the American Dream.

“Superheroes are part of the mythology of America,” said Addison Gallery Director Judith Dolkart. “Superman and Wonder Woman and others stood for truth, justice and the American way, and I think the exhibition asks who's truth? Who's justice? What American way?”

“Yayoi Kusama: LOVE IS CALLING,” on view at the Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston through February 7, 2021

Yayoi Kusma: LOVE IS CALLING
Yayoi Kusama pictured with her work LOVE IS CALLING, 2013 during her solo exhibition I Who Have Arrived In Heaven at David Zwirner, New York, 2013
Courtesy David Zwirner, New York; Ota Fine Arts, Tokyo/Singapore/Shanghai; Victoria Miro, London/Venice and the Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston

LOVE IS CALLING is the largest of Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirror Rooms, and it is now at the Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston. A pioneer in pop art, performance art and feminist art, Kusama formed a prolific career crafting her unique brand of polka dots into some of today's most recognizable and Instagrammable contemporary art. “Yayoi Kusama: LOVE IS CALLING” places Kusama’s Infinity Mirror Room alongside art from her early career as well as works by other artists who evoke a Kusama legacy.

“She's opening up a path to another consciousness,” said ICA Director Jill Medvedow.

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