The second half of the 1960s marked a major shift in Kusama’s artistic practice. Between 1967 and 1969, she presented roughly seventy-five ‘happenings’ – events linked to the broader countercultural movements of the period, including sexual liberation and anti–Vietnam War protests. Most of Kusama’s happenings took place at prominent public locations throughout New York, including Central Park, Trinity Church and the Brooklyn Bridge.
As part of Midsumma Festival, join us to explore this experimental period in Kusama’s early artistic career, and the broader socio-cultural developments that inspired the artist to move beyond the gallery and into the streets.
Through an informal discussion moderated by NGV curator Meg Slater, guest speakers will consider the socio-cultural links between Melbourne and New York during this period, and the importance of performance and protest in supporting diverse countercultural efforts.
Presented as part of Midsumma Festival, running from 19 Jan – 9 Feb 2025
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