Late artist Yayoi Kusama's A-bomb-themed anti-war work on exhibit at Hiroshima museum
HIROSHIMA -- A Hiroshima museum is showing an artwork about the atomic bombing of Hiroshima by Yayoi Kusama, the world-renowned avant-garde artist who
Hiroshima's contemporary art museum is currently showcasing a striking work by internationally renowned artist Yayoi Kusama, who passed away in August at the age of 97. The painting, titled "Revived Soul," was commissioned by the Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art in 1995 and is now part of an ongoing collection exhibition.
Measuring 194 centimeters in height and 391.5 centimeters in width, the acrylic artwork employs Kusama's signature style of black-and-white monochrome, featuring polka dots and intricate net patterns against a stark backdrop.
In her own words at the time of creation, Kusama expressed the profound impact of the atomic bombing on her life and the lives of those who lived through war. She wrote, "The atomic bombing turned a nightmarish story into reality," and added, "Those of us who grew up during the war were forced to know all too well its miseries."
Through this powerful anti-war and antinuclear statement, Kusama imbued the painting with a poignant message about the souls of atomic bombing victims, suggesting they reside within the hearts of those alive today. The museum's current exhibition, "Time Machines," is the first installment of the annual theme "The Time of the Museum," and will be on display until September 23.
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