The renowned contemporary Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, has recently attracted attention not only for her iconic polka dot installations, but also for her recent stance when addressing her racist comments in the past. Kusama, known for her surreal and immersive works of art, has long been a figure of fascination and intrigue in the art world. However, offensive language has been pointed out in his autobiography published in 2002, a book that has provoked a conversation about accountability and growth in the context of racial sensitivity and inclusion.

In the Japanese version of her autobiography Infinity Net (2002), the artist expresses herself from the African-American community as "primitive, hyper-sexualized beings" and pointed out that New York has become a "low quarter" whose value drops every day thanks to "black people shooting each other and vagrants sleeping in the streets." These phrases were removed in the English translation that was published from his book in 2013, however, they could not remain unnoticed.

At the inauguration of his recent exhibition with the Museum of Modern Art of San Francisco (SFMOMA) Kusama frankly recognizes his previous racially insensitive comments, expressing great regret and a deep sense of remorse. His reflections express a commitment to understand the impact of his words and actions, showing a sincere effort to confront and rectify his mistakes of the past. Such a public display of responsibility on the part of a prominent figure like Kusama marks a significant turning point in the discourse around cultural sensitivity and racial justice in the art world.

The art world, like many other spheres, continues to deal with the legacies of discrimination and marginalization. The step that Kusama took in facing his past mistakes and actively working to foster a more inclusive environment sends a powerful message about the importance of recognizing and learning from one's past, while actively contributing to a positive change in the present and in the future.

As we navigate through the complexities of a rapidly evolving cultural landscape, Kusama's example serves as a reminder that recognizing the mistakes of the past is the first step towards promoting a more inclusive and empathetic society.

Sources: ArtNews, Hyperallergic.