The works show an artist in top form in his late years, experimenting with an absolutely delectable cacophony of colors and collaged forms. The pieces range from hallucinogenic forest scenes filled with swooping birds, like Mecklenburg Evening (1984), to intricate street scenes bearing more than a dozen figures, working and playing and lounging, as in On Such a Night as This (1975).

Bearden's sense of control, whether over scores of little slices of cut paper or just a few dashes of watercolor, astounds. For me, the works here recall Wangechi Mutu's trippiest moments and Tom Thayer's most frenetic scenes—two people I had never before seen as such clear Bearden descendants. No doubt a wild array of other associations will come to you when viewing his sumptuous—and ultimately generous—art.

Click the slide show above to preview the show.

Update, Feb. 6: The exhibition has been extended through Feb. 23.