Art in 2021 expands beyond the conventional brick and mortar museum space. Artists are collaborating with museums, non-profits, cities and more to find new environments for their work. There’s something for every palate, whether you’re a casual admirer or a lifelong student. The following exhibits are unique in every way from thought-provoking sculptural installations or immersive experiences fueled by the latest technological tricks and tools of the trade.
Immersive Van Gogh NYC, Photo by Faith Yi
Immersive Van Gogh (Multiple Cities)
Apparently great minds think alike because there are multiple Van Gogh exhibits peppered throughout the country from Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience to Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit and Imagine Van Gogh – phew! The good news is: there’s likely one that’s set up shop in a city near you complete with VR add-ons, soaring soundtracks and 3D re-creations of his iconic Bedroom in Arles. Although Vincent sadly didn’t see commercial success during his lifetime, his legacy has endured across the world through dedicated museums, multiple bio-pics and even a moving appearance on Dr. Who.
Yayoi Kusama at New York Botanical Garden (New York City)
Through Halloween 2021, Yayoi Kusama’s fantastical contemporary work can be found throughout the blooms and flora at New York Botanical Garden. At 92-years old, Yayoi has woven her experience with mental health into her expressions of sculpture and installations and has dabbled in many different mediums. As you stroll through the gardens, you’ll see her signature polka dots come to life through Dancing Pumpkin and colorful faux floral installations in the Conservatory. Don’t miss the Infinity Mirrored Room opening in August and the impressive Narcissus Garden reimagined from its original 1966 debut with 1,400 stainless steel spheres floating through a peaceful water garden.
Yayoi Kusama NYC, Photo by Faith Yi
Contemporary Optics + Nam June Paik at SFMOMA (San Francisco)
Contemporary artists Olafur Eliasson, Teresita Fernández, and Anish Kapoor are behind four unique sculptures inspired by the cosmos and nature in Contemporary Optics on view through October 2022. The Vortex is inspired by the phenomena of black holes and One Way Colour Tunnel is a prismatic experience through a multi-hued glacial cavern. Nam June Paik is a Korean American artist who was one of the first to harness TV and video as a medium in the early 70s and understood where mass media could take us. TV Garden and Sistine Chapel are stunning thought-provoking highlights in his exhibition.
Desert X (Palm Springs)
Desert X is a fairly new public exhibition effort that unveils contemporary art from various artists juxtapositioned with natural desert backdrops located around the world. There are four installations currently on view near Palm Springs including Serge Attukwei Clottey’s Wishing Well. Serge’s installation features larger-than-life cubes made of material used to fetch and transport water in his home country of Ghana representing our collective need for this essential life source. Alongside Tahquitz Canyon Way, you’ll see Christopher Myer’s The Art of Taming Horses that spins a fictional tale of two ranchers who left their homes to create a new life in Coachella Valley. All four installations are free to the public.
Josephine by Kelia Anne, Kimpton x Foto Exhibit
Miles Aldridge at Fotografiska New York (New York City)
Our friends at Fotografiska New York have an exciting 2021 exhibition line-up including Miles Alridge’s Virgin Mary. Supermarkets. Popcorn. Photographs 1999 to 2020. The three-part exhibit hones in on religious allegory, consumerism, and the history of cinema’s greats with well-known faces in surreal lighting, colors and poses. Solely dedicated to photographs, Fotografiska New York’s generous six floors do not focus on permanent collections so every visit will be a new experience. P.S. Don’t forget to check out our very own rotating Fotografiska collection!
