The London exhibition ‘Inner Child’ features artworks by Niki de Saint Phalle and Yayoi Kusama, showcasing 41 pieces that explore childhood themes. Highlights include Saint Phalle’s Last Night I Had a Dream installation and Kusama’s Infinity Nets, both reflecting on how childhood experiences shape artistic expression. The exhibition runs from 3rd April to 5th May 2025, celebrating the artists’ journeys toward emotional healing and self-actualisation.
Opera Gallery in London is set to host the exhibition ‘Inner Child,’ featuring the works of Niki de Saint Phalle and Yayoi Kusama. This exhibition showcases 41 artworks, including 7 paintings and 34 sculptures. The pieces display an eclectic mix, ranging from Saint Phalle’s playful animal depictions to Kusama’s iconic dot motifs, all presented with vibrant colours and an imaginative tone.
Key highlights include Saint Phalle’s monumental wall installation, Last Night I Had a Dream, created in 1968, alongside Kusama’s Infinity Nets series. Both artists explore the lasting impact of their childhood experiences, using their art as a path toward emotional healing.
Kusama, born in 1929, often discusses her strict upbringing and its effect on her artistry. She stated, “From the time I was a child, I wanted to run away from my mother. I ran into my art.” Her childhood hallucinations inspired her use of the dot motif, which reflects her emotional complexities.
Similarly, Saint Phalle, born in 1930, transformed her traumatic childhood experiences into joyful expressions in her art. She famously said, “I transformed my childhood pain into something magical. My monsters became my friends, my fears became my work.” Both artists celebrate innocence and the transformative power of their inner child’s exploration.
This exhibition recognizes the influence of psychologist Carl Jung’s ‘child archetype,’ highlighting how revisiting childhood can support self-actualisation. The show will run from 3rd April to 5th May 2025 at Opera Gallery, aiming to invoke healing and liberation through art.
About the artists, Niki de Saint Phalle is renowned as a feminist art pioneer, known for her vibrant sculptures and impactful installations, including the Tarot Garden in Italy. Yayoi Kusama, recognised for her polka dots and thematic explorations, started painting at a young age against her mother’s wishes. Her work gained international acclaim post-1993, and she has become one of the most influential contemporary artists worldwide.
The ‘Inner Child’ exhibition at Opera Gallery showcases the compelling works of Niki de Saint Phalle and Yayoi Kusama, highlighting their unique interpretations of childhood experiences. Through vibrant artistry and profound themes, both women reveal how engaging with their inner child enables emotional healing. This exhibition also honours Carl Jung’s contributions to psychology, inviting audiences to reflect on their own childhood narratives to promote self-discovery and liberation.
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