Yayoi Kusama Dies at 97

Daily Newsletter

The renowned Japanese artist has passed away in a Tokyo hospital, an exhibition brings treasures from the ancient city to the US, and a former Pussy Riot member claims Russia recruited her to spy, among other news.

Yayoi Kusama, a beloved figure in the art world, has died in a Tokyo hospital on August 14 at the age of 97. Her studio announced the news last night. Senior Editor Valentina Di Liscia reflects on the unique Japanese artist who achieved legendary status during her lifetime.

For those familiar with Western art history, the term “Indian miniature paintings” might be recognizable, but it’s time to reconsider this label. Nageen Shaikh reviews a recent book on Pahari region art, suggesting the term is reductive. The name actually originates from the use of “minium” pigment, making it somewhat misleading. As an art publication, we understand the significance of language.

In Dallas, history will be vividly presented through an exhibition featuring over 160 artifacts from Pompeii, sourced from the National Archaeological Museum of Naples. Meanwhile, notable events continue: a former Pussy Riot member asserts she was recruited by Russia to spy on fellow artists, and painter and printmaker Elizabeth Peyton faces a lawsuit for copyright infringement.

Additionally, an artist has created a device that alters a bike’s brakes in less-affordable neighborhoods, transforming wealth inequality into a physical experience. This is the power of art: making abstract concepts tangible.

—Lisa Yin Zhang, associate editor

Artist’s Device Slows Down Citi Bikes in Less Affordable Neighborhoods

While cycling along the perimeter of Prospect Park in Brooklyn, New York, on a sunny August afternoon, the ride is seamless. However, as I pedal through Prospect Lefferts Gardens, also known as Flatbush, tension arises. Entering Lincoln Avenue, where Flatbush begins, there’s a noticeable change in mobility. The abruptness forces me to stop.

Traveling with a device attached to the e-bike, the brakes adjust based on the neighborhood’s rent affordability. This is part of “Ground Truth,” Justin Blinder’s latest artwork and exhibition. | Eliana Perozo

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Participants can attend in-person, online, or hybrid courses across 17 different art and design disciplines. Register now for the Fall Certificate Programs.

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News

Artist Yayoi Kusama, known for her captivating paintings, immersive mirror rooms, and radical messages of love and acceptance, has died at 97.
Former Pussy Riot member Margarita Konovalova, also known as Rita Flores, alleges she was compelled by Russia to spy on other dissident artists.
An exhibition showcasing artifacts from Pompeii is set to debut in the United States at the Dallas Museum of Art this December.
Welsh music photographer Justin Thomas has accused painter Elizabeth Peyton of copyright infringement concerning his photograph of Liam and Noel Gallagher from the British rock band Oasis.

From Our Critics

Mitchell Johnson: “Twenty-One Years in Truro (Selected Paintings 1988–2026)”

The artist’s sixth solo exhibition at Castle Hill will open to the public on September 8, 2026.

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Wonderful article on Valadon, a joy to see and read! I do think it’s important to emphasize the role of Degas in her emergence as a significant artist. He was early to discover her powerful incisive draftsmanship, encouraged her, and bought and collected her work He was an enthusiastic admirer of her work, which is a great testament to her artistic importance.

—Alex Clark on “Model, Rebel, and Painter, Suzanne Valadon Defied the Odds”