Yayoi Kusama Dies at 97; Durham Opens Light Art Gallery

Yayoi Kusama, the prolific Japanese artist known for her polka dots and infinity mirror rooms, died this week at the age of 97. Her work often explored themes of the infinite and 'self-obliteration,' inspired by hallucinations she experienced. Despite global fame, she identified as an outsider artist. Meanwhile, Durham's new art gallery, The Light, opened with the exhibition 'Victory Over the Sun,' a survey of light art featuring works by Olafur Eliasson and Ceal Floyer, running until 17 January. Other notable exhibitions include Ana Mendieta at Tate Modern, London, until 17 January; Sgàire Wood at Jupiter Artland, Edinburgh, until 18 October; Claire Curneen at Anima Mundi, St Ives, until 4 September; and 'Eyes in the Soil' at Phillida Reid, London, from 1 September to 1 October. The week also saw the death of Betye Saar, aged 99, known for her assemblages exploring racism and religion. Freddie Mercury's costumes are to be displayed, and a priceless collection of Bronze Age gold artefacts was stolen in Spain. The masterpiece of the week is Aelbert Cuyp's 'A Herdsman with Five Cows by a River' (1650-55) at the National Gallery, London.