Conceptual Artist On Kawara Dies at 81, Guggenheim Retrospective Scheduled

On Kawara, the conceptual artist known for his profound exploration of time and mortality, has died at age 81. His death was confirmed by his gallery, David Zwirner. Born in Japan and based in New York, Kawara maintained a reclusive practice, consistently refusing interviews and portraits. His most recognized work, the Today series begun in 1966, involved the daily creation of a painting depicting that specific date. These canvases were executed freehand, with the only variation occurring during his travels, when he would adopt the local date-notation system. Another significant series, I Am Still Alive, comprised telegrams sent to friends and acquaintances simply stating that message. A major retrospective of his work is already planned to open at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York in February 1915.