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How a silent protest at the 1968 Olympics reverberated for years to come

Yayoi Kusama recently addressed her racist descriptions of Black people in several written works, including her 2003 autobiography Infinity Net, just before the opening of her latest exhibition at the San Francisco Museum of Art (SFMOMA).

“I deeply regret using hurtful and offensive language in my book,” the Japanese artist said in an exclusive statement to the San Francisco Chronicle supplied by the museum on Friday. “My message has always been one of love, hope, compassion, and respect for all people. My lifelong intention has been to lift up humanity through my art. I apologize for the pain I have caused.”

The museum’s choice to feature Kusama was criticized by Chronicle columnist Soleil Ho earlier this week. In an email statement to Ho, museum Director Christopher Bedford said that “SFMOMA stands firmly against these and all anti-Black sentiments.”

Bedford also told the Chronicle in a phone interview, “We can use this moment as a catalyst for a broader interrogation of what it means to present artists in our galleries.”

“I think it is a tremendous leadership opportunity for SFMOMA,” Bedford told the Chronicle, citing a series of public programs slated for early next year aimed at addressing the work of artists with “problematic histories.”

The Louvre Museum was evacuated on Saturday morning after receiving bomb threats. Alarms sounded throughout the museum as well as the underground shopping center beneath its iconic glass signature designed by architect I.M. Pei.

The Paris institution told the Associated Press that no one was hurt, no incident was reported, and police officers had searched the museum.

The museum’s website had a red banner which stated “For security reasons, the Musée du Louvre is closing its doors today, Saturday, October 14. Those who have booked a visit during the day will be reimbursed. Thank you for your understanding.” The same message was posted on the museum’s social media pages.

Earlier this year, the Louvre announced it would be limiting the number of daily visitors to 30,000 “in order to facilitate a comfortable visit and ensure optimal working conditions for museum staff”.

Prior to the pandemic, the Louvre could welcome up to 45,000 visitors each day, according to the Art Newspaper.