Nick Cave - Visual Artist

On a recent visit to “Mammoth” at SAAM ( ), I had the pleasure of meeting Frederick S. Ballanger I, a gallery attendant. He shared with me a poem he had written inspired by the exhibition. Moved by his words and honored by his vulnerability, I thought it important to share his poem with you all. Enjoy.

“Nick Cave: Mammoth” is now on view at the Smithsonian American Art Museum until January 3, 2027. Plan a visit!

Open Daily, 11:30 a.m.–7:00 p.m
*Free Admission

Image credits (2&3): Installation photography of “Nick Cave: Mammoth,” Smithsonian American Art Museum, 2026; ©Nick Cave; Photos by Ron Blunt

MAMMOTH at

February 13, 2026 - January 3, 2027

Open Daily, 11:30 a.m.–7:00 p.m

FREE Admission

🦣🦣🦣🦣🦣🦣🦣🦣🦣🦣🦣🦣🦣🦣🦣🦣🦣🦣🦣

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Add a visit to Nick Cave: Mammoth at the Smithsonian American Art Museum to your spring plans!

By bringing together the ordinary and often overlooked objects of everyday life, Cave illuminates what we value and how we make meaning together. Focused on the fundamental connections between people and their environment, Cave asks how we can begin to make sense of our relationship with a landscape that continues to
evolve. How might we adapt, persevere, even thrive? As the contemporary world increasingly challenges what it means to be human, Cave envisions a space of both grief and possibility.

Discover “Mammoth” at the link in bio.

Installation photography of Nick Cave: Mammoth, Smithsonian American Art Museum, 2026, ©Nick Cave; Photos by Ron Blunt

SmithsonianMuseum

Oh!… and in other “Mammoth” at print news, grab a copy of too! Check out “Critical, but Dazzling Too” in today’s Art’s & Leisure section. Story by , images by

“A ‘MAMMOTH’ MOMENT” is out in print today! Pick up a copy of SUNDAY | SUNTIMES ( ) to read a 4 page spread by (for ) with images by . ❤️📰🦣

Reawakening the MAMMOTH at . NICK CAVE: MAMMOTH opens to the public tomorrow, February 13, 2026. See more below. 🦣

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In “Mammoth,” Nick Cave envisions a world animated by the power of the past and the transformative possibilities of the imagination.

By showcasing the ordinary and often forgotten bits and pieces of the world we live in, Cave’s work shines light on what we value and how we make meaning together. It evokes the lives and cultures we have lost, as well as the magical possibilities of a universe created through imagination and the humblest of materials. Focused on the fundamental connections between people and their environment, Cave asks how we can begin to make sense of our relationship with a landscape that continues to evolve. How might we adapt, persevere, even thrive? As the contemporary world increasingly challenges what it means to be human, Cave envisions a space of both grief and possibility.

Commissioned by the Smithsonian American Art Museum, “Mammoth” marks Cave’s first solo exhibition in Washington, DC and represents the museum’s largest-ever commission by a single artist.

“Nick Cave: Mammoth” is on view at the Smithsonian American Art Museum from February 13, 2026 through January 3, 2027. Plan your visit at the link in our bio.

Image credits:

1–4, 6–17: Installation photography of “Nick Cave: Mammoth,” Smithsonian American Art Museum, 2026; Photos by Albert Ting
5: Installation photography of “Nick Cave: Mammoth,” Smithsonian American Art Museum, 2026; ©Nick Cave; Photo by Ron Blunt

MAMMOTH article OUT NOW! Follow the link (in stories) to read “The Artist Nick Cave Couches His Dazzle” by Blake Gopnik with visuals by Donovan Smallwood. Can’t wait to share “Mammoth” at Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, DC ( ), opening February 13!

Deeply saddened by the loss of my dear friend, Jim Prinz. Most knew him as “The Artist’s Photographer.” I had the honor of calling him a friend, and he was more like family. Since our first collaboration in 2003, Jim had the unique and exquisite talent of seeing my work through the lens like no other. He had the vision; he saw, captured and documented the art and experience exactly as needed. May he live on through the beautiful images that he left us with.

Rest in Peace, Jim ❤️

GIVING THANKS post — post THANKSGIVING
Now that Amalgam (Origin) is grounded and rooted—stretching 26 feet high in its forever home at Frederik Meijer Garden & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids, Michigan—I’d like to express my utmost gratitude to all involved in every step of the process. Through concept, scanning, planning, fabricating, logistics, shipping/transporting, exhibiting and maintaining, each hand has played a vital role in Amalgam (Origin)’s existence. This special team helped to bring an idea to life, creating a monumental bronze (my largest yet!). My sincerest thanks for all of your contributions.

Collaborators:
Harbinger 3D — Mark Lyon ( )

Workshop Art Fabrication —
Vincent Didonato, Andrew Pharmer, and crew

Jack Shainman Gallery — ( )
Jack Shainman, Tamsen Greene (Executive Director), (Special Projects Director),
Jackie Auletto (Director), Chris Hanrahan, Sholeh Hajmiragha and Team

Frederik Meijer Garden & Scultpture Park -
Charles Burke (Director & CEO)
Suzanne Ramljak (Chief Curator)
and Team

Just received our copy of Art in America “Collaboration” issue (2026), featuring us in “An Assemblage of Sorts.” It’s quite a spread, documenting our conversation with Jeremy Lybarger, accompanied by fabulous studio shots by . Grab yourself a copy, especially if you want insight into the goings-on at the studio (), our process, collaboration and some sneak peeks into MAMMOTH (opening at Smithsonian in early 2026).

Revisiting “TRUTH BE TOLD” at to participate in .

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My art Is my strength. My voice is my freedom.
I am taking part in this November 21-22, a nationwide movement of artists, writers, musicians, and creators standing together for expression without limits.
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