An installation by one of the world's most influential contemporary artists, Yayoi Kusama, will be on display in Dubbo as part of the Albanese Labor Government's Sharing the National Collection program.
Kusama is among the world's most popular artists, and her 'infinity rooms' have become recognisable across the globe. On loan from the National Gallery of Australia, THE SPIRITS OF THE PUMPKINS DESCENDED INTO THE HEAVENS, 2017 will be installed at the Western Plains Cultural Centre.
Following its hugely popular run at the National Gallery of Victoria and recent loan to the Qantas Founders Museum in Longreach, the work will now be available to Dubbo audiences for two years.
The work is an immersive installation which invites audiences in to experience a bright yellow room overrun with black dots and a 'peepshow' mirror box camouflaged by the reflections of its surrounding environment.
Kusama is among the world's most distinctive and popular artists. She has played a major role in the development of art in the late 20th century and her influence maintains critical importance in contemporary art.
The Sharing the National Collection program is a continuing success with visitors and locals. Two years on from the program's beginning, over a million people have experienced the wonder of the national collection closer to home.
Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said the Western New South Wales region would benefit from the blockbuster loan.
"Kusama's signature infinity rooms may be familiar to many and this loan is an exciting opportunity for Dubbo locals and visitors to experience a world-class art installation.
"Our Sharing the National Collection program has given regional audiences a chance to see things that normally don't make it out beyond our major cities.
Senator for New South Wales, Deborah O'Neill said this is a huge drawcard for Dubbo and the surrounding areas.
"Given the many kilometres that the people of Dubbo and the Central West travel for so many things, it is fantastic that we now have a world class installation travelling to them!"
"This incredible contemporary installation will add to the many outstanding artworks that can be enjoyed at the Western Plains Cultural Centre."
Director of the National Gallery, Dr Nick Mitzevich, said the loan was a unique opportunity to bring one of the most celebrated works from the national collection to regional Australia.
"We welcome local audiences and visitors to Western Plains Cultural Centre to immerse themselves in the infinite world of influential artist, Yayoi Kusama - by far one of the National Gallery's most requested and popular works.
"The Sharing the National Collection initiative supports the costs of facilitating significant contemporary art by international artists to regional communities across Australia."
Cultural Development Coordinator from the Western Plains Cultural Centre, Jessica Moore, said the loan was good news for the city.
"The Western Plains Cultural Centre is thrilled to present this ground-breaking work to regional NSW. Our mission has always been to bring world-class creative experiences to regional and remote communities, and this exhibition offers an unparalleled opportunity to share something truly extraordinary.
"This work is one of the most bold, captivating, and distinctive art installations of the past decade. Hosting such an internationally acclaimed piece in Central NSW is a transformative moment for our region. We believe this exhibition will spark creativity, inspire dialogue, and ignite a lifelong passion for art in a new generation, leaving a lasting impact on our community."
The sharing the National Collection program has provided support for the National Gallery to fund the costs of transporting, installing and insuring works in the national art collection so that they can be seen right across the country.
Regional and suburban galleries can register their interest in the loan program here.
Images of the works can be found here.
