Museum of Fine Arts, Houston — Yayoi Kusama, Aftermath of Obliteration of Eternity, 2009; wood, metal, glass mirrors, plastic, acrylic paint, and LED. The artist marked her 80th birthday with this piece, which references the annual Buddhist Tōrō Nagashi (Water Lantern) ceremony honoring one’s ancestors. When guests visit this installation, they are invited to step into the room and stand on the central platform. Over time, a delicate, shimmering mirage unfolds, as lights ignite and are mirrored on every surface. In less than a minute, however, all light disappears—and then the cycle starts anew. (Museum purchase funded by the Caroline Wiess Law Accessions Endowment Fund, 2016.34.)