“I always had to justify myself to my teachers,” explained Jean-Michel Othoniel in 2011. “My work was too beautiful. There was no cynicism in it.” Despite the doubters, Othoniel stayed true to his vision. His practice is both dazzling and mysterious, touching on the power of desire. In a tribute to Japan, this exhibition celebrates the chrysanthemum, an East Asian flower that symbolizes longevity and rejuvenation. In one gallery, a forbidden garden of chrysanthemums is named Yumeji, Japanese for “dream road.” Also in the show are flowery knot-like Kiku sculptures, made from Othoniel’s signature beads of mirrored glass. Seduction and reflection—these too are themes in the garden. —E.C.

Jean-Michel Othoniel: Dream Road
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Perrotin Piramide / Tokyo / Art
Perrotin Piramide / Tokyo / Art
Jean-Michel Othoniel, “Pink Yumeji,” 2019 © Jean - Michel Othoniel / JASPAR, Tokyo 2020. Courtesy of the artist and Perrotin.
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