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Gagosian – It's not often that I am wowed; today is an exception

New York tours

28 May 2009

There is something very special about New York. The trains, the people, the food, the art, the parks, the spaces, the energy.

Today is the only day that the walk-to-art group travels to Chelsea, the commercial art precinct of New York. It's not often that I am wowed; however, today is an exception.

As usual the group has no idea of where we are going or what we are about to see... We sit in a park on the corner of 10th Avenue and 22nd Street, and eat cupcakes from Billy's Bakery... little creations of edible art.

The most exciting and breathtaking exhibition of the day was at Gagosian Gallery West 24th. The artist, Yayoi Kusama. The exhibition, celebrating Yayoi Kusama's 80th year. The piece that was the most outstanding was "Aftermath of Obliteration of Eternity" (2009).

"Aftermath of Obliteration of Eternity" (2009), a mesmerizing "infinity room" that operates on a system of simple, yet ingenious, optical devices. In a dark void, a delicate, shimmering mirage unfolds around the viewer, a myriad of gleaming lights that reproduce and reflect endlessly upon each other in golden silence. Oh, and we can't forget the pumpkins... Kusama's representation of her alter ego or self portrait, on show in New York for the first time.

The art spaces in Chelsea are opulent; everything is presented on such a large and professional scale. Therefore, drinks at another opulent space is required... We head to the Meatpacking District for a quiet drink at The Buddha Bar (17 Little West 12th Street).

Read words from previous groups of walk-to-art New York