Yayoi Kusama dies at 97, the empress of psychedelic polka dots who transformed her hallucinations into avant-garde art
El Periódico Mediterráneo - General27 August 2026 at 10:59
Yayoi Kusama, a renowned Japanese artist celebrated for her psychedelic polka dots, mirror room installations, and iconic pumpkin sculptures, passed away at age 97. Born in 1929, she transformed her hallucinations and psychological struggles into avant-garde art, becoming one of the most influential contemporary artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. Her philosophy centered on the concept that Earth is merely a dot among millions of stars, using repeated polka dots as a path to infinity and universal healing. Kusama's work, characterized by explosive color, mirrored rooms, and obsessive repetition, left an indelible mark on the art world.
The neighbors of Tondela bring the show "Sunset" to the last day of the 32nd edition of the Tondela Industrial and Commercial Fair (FICTON), which also features a band's performance to close the event.
The Kalorama festival returns this weekend, taking place on the last weekend of August. The event, which is one of the country's main music festivals, promises to once again bring a series of artists and activities for the attending public.
A soprano brasileira Lorena Pires will perform at the 25th edition of Lavagem de Madeleine in Paris, from September 10 to 13. She will sing "Ave Maria" during the festival, which brings together more than 700 artists and has samba as its theme. Resident of the National Opera of Paris Academy since September 2025, this will be her debut at the event. The Lavagem de Madeleine, inspired by the Lavagem do Bonfim in Salvador, integrates the official calendar of the City of Paris and features a main procession on September 13, led by Mariene de Castro on an electric trio through the streets of Paris, including percussionists, singers, dancers, capoeira groups, and various religious and cultural manifestations.
The Escola de Olaria – Barros de Flor da Rosa, installed in the village of Flor da Rosa, in the municipality of Crato, is once again present at the Handicraft and Gastronomy Fair, which runs until Saturday simultaneously with the Festival do Crato, thus reaffirming its historical legacy and commitment to the preservation of this traditional art.
