On the Origin of Art exhibition is bigger than Ben-Hur, says Mona owner David Walsh

MONA’S newest exhibition is promising to outdo Ben-Hur in the epic stakes.

Nicole Durling, Mona co-director of exhibitions and collections, with artwork Dots Obsession Tasmania by Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

MONA’S newest exhibition is promising to outdo Ben-Hur in the epic stakes.

Five years in the making, On the Origin of Art opens this weekend.

“It will out-epic Ben-Hur and have more pathos than the crucifixion,’’ museum owner David Walsh said of the massive show, which has taken more than 60 curatorial, field and installation staff to bring together on the Berriedale site.

Work by artists including Brett Whitely, Bill Henson, Jeff Koons, Lola Greeno, Cindy Sherman and Patricia Piccinini has been assembled by four guest curators.

Kate Miller-Heidke will perform at Mona this weekend to celebrate the new exhibition opening.

There are 234 objects from 34 countries, with works loaned from 58 separate institutions.

Many of the works are on display in Australia for the first time.

Curator Nicole Durling said it has been an extraordinary effort to mount the exhibition.

“People will come because of the breadth of the material that is exhibited in typical Mona breathtaking style,’’ she said.

The eye-popping yellow and black installation Dots Obsession Tasmania, by 87-year-old Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, is sure to be popular with visitors.

The veteran artist agreed to make the piece especially for the exhibition, said senior research curator Jane Clark.

“Humans respond with their eyes and brains with pleasure from patterns and illusions — this work is fun, it’s physical and it’s visually appealing and I’m sure the giggles from people will also make it aurally appealing.”

As Mona never does things by halves, the exhibition will be celebrated with a free two-day art and music party featuring acts including C. W. Stoneking and Kate Miller-Heidke.

All the fun of the opening weekend will run from 10am to 10pm on Saturday and 10am to 6pm on Sunday.

On the Origin of Art will be on show until April 17 next year.

Originally published as On the Origin of Art exhibition is bigger than Ben-Hur, says Mona owner David Walsh