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

“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

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).