Japanese Artist Yayoi Kusama’s Death Spurs Tributes from Across Globe
Tributes have come pouring in following the news of the passing of contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama, which was widely reported both at home and abroad.
Contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama, known for her polka dot works, has died at the age of 97, prompting tributes from around the globe. CNN described her as one of contemporary art's most popular and commercially successful figures. Kusama resided in the United States from 1957 to 1973. David Zwirner, a gallery owner, expressed his privilege of representing Kusama's work for fifteen years.
In Asia, Kusama was hailed as a superstar of Asian art. The Korea Economic Daily called her a superstar of Asian art, noting that people would line up to see her works at any museum. Taiwan mourned Kusama, stating she was not just a Japanese artist in art history textbooks, but held a significant place in Taiwanese lives. Over 280,000 people visited Kusama's exhibition at M+ museum in Hong Kong from November 2022 to May 2023, indicating her popularity in the city.
Japanese art critic Yusuke Minami praised Kusama's art as a profound inner desire that resonated globally. Her "Yellow Pumpkin" and "Red Pumpkin" sculptures symbolize Naoshima Island and attract many tourists. Naoshima Mayor Shinichi Kobayashi acknowledged Kusama's contribution to making Naoshima an art island. Tadanori Yokoo, also 90, called Kusama an icon and queen of contemporary art, noting her ability to make art accessible before her passing.
Written by urgent.news from The Japan News by The Yomiuri Shimbun's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
