Walker Art Center Presents 'Abbas Akhavan: Variations on a Garden' Survey and Opening-Day Curator Discussion
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Walker Art Center Press Archives / November 2026
Exploring the intersection of botanical form, historical landscape, and physical memory, the Walker Art Center officially opened Abbas Akhavan: Variations on a Garden—marking the artist’s first major US museum survey.
Inspired by the conceptual framework of a garden, the exhibition evokes life-forms and ecosystems that witness historical transformation. Throughout the galleries, Akhavan preserves delicate flora in bronze, constructs sculptures using soil and live plants, and allows architectural ruins to slowly crumble in real time. To mark the opening, Akhavan joined exhibition curator Pavel Pyś for an opening-day conversation examining the decades-long development of his artistic practice.
Exhibition & Programming Highlights
The major survey highlights key themes of Akhavan's multidisciplinary work:
First Major US Survey: A comprehensive presentation bringing together decades of Akhavan’s sculpture, installation, and site-specific practice.
Organic & Sculptural Mediums: Works feature soil, living plants, preserved bronze flora, and crumbling architectural materials.
Opening Discussion: Featured a live opening-day dialogue between Abbas Akhavan and Walker curator Pavel Pyś.
Accessible Gallery Hours: General gallery admission offered free to the public every Thursday evening from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Exhibition Overview & Visitor Information
To assist museum patrons and arts editors planning their visit, core parameters include:
Exhibition Parameter Details & Specifications: Exhibition Title: Abbas Akhavan: Variations on a GardenHost VenueWalker Art Center, Minneapolis, MNFeatured ArtistAbbas Akhavan (Curated by Pavel Pyś)Core Mediums: Bronze sculpture, soil, live plants & site-specific installation Special Admission: Free Gallery Admission Thursdays (5:00 PM – 9:00 PM)