Narcissus Garden

In Narcissus Garden by Yayoi Kusama, one of the most significant artists of the 20th century, mirrored balls reflect each other and their onlookers, creating an infinitely recurring web in which the surrounding visible world is trapped and perpetuated. Evoking the mythological figure of Narcissus, this work allows viewers to see themselves and the world around them.

Narcissus Garden has seen many incarnations over more than 40 years. It first appeared in 1966 at the Venice Biennale, where the artists, though uninvited, installed 1500 plastic reflective balls on the grass outside the Italian pavilion. Her attempts to sell the balls, a deliberate critique of the commercialisation of the art world, led to her expulsion from the show.

Past touring dates

• Elizabeth Bay House: From late May-late June (for SLM members only). Become a member to receive exclusive access to Elizabeth Bay House plus visit the exhibition for free at the Museum of Sydney and Vaucluse House plus great year-long benefits.

This is a rare opportunity to see this extraordinary and timeless work in historic spaces, where the balls will capture the trappings of colonial wealth and taste, and inspire each of us to consider how we are, or are not, mirrored in these spaces and their history.