Tag Archives: japanese

Yayoi Kusama 1929–2026

yayoi kusama photo courtesy david zwirner galleryYayoi Kusama creating paintings for her My Eternal Soul series in her studio, 2014 (© YAYOI KUSAMA This Image Courtesy of David Zwirner Gallery, all other Photos By Gail)

August 26, 2026David Zwirner is saddened to announce the passing of Yayoi Kusama. The artist passed away from multiple organ failure at a hospital in Tokyo on August 14, 2026, at the age of 97.

Kusama devoted her life to an international career as an avant-garde artist, working primarily in the visual arts while also extending her practice to performance, novels, poetry, and other forms of expression. She continued to paint until shortly before her passing, never setting aside her brush, and remained steadfast in her lifelong belief that love can save the world.

kusama infinity rooms installation red room 2017
Infinity Rooms Installation Red Mirror Room 2017
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Shark Attack Graphic Novel

the woman dies book cover photo by gail worley
Photo By Gail

Some shark attacks are dramatic. Some are terrifying. And some, like the cover of The Woman Dies by Aoko Matsuda, are strangely calm. At first glance, the scene feels almost peaceful. A young woman with mint-green hair leans casually against the lower jaw of what appears to be a massive Megalodon shark. Blowing a bright blue bubblegum bubble, her posture relaxed, her expression indifferent — it’s as if she’s lounging on a couch rather than sitting inside the mouth of a prehistoric predator.
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Ten Most Adorable Small Dogs I Met at AKC’s Meet The Breeds!

all you need is love and a dog photo by gail worley
All Photos By Gail

It’s that time again for my annual review of the American Kennel Club’s Meet the Breeds event at Javits Center. When people see my coverage here and on social media, they often ask, “Gail, don’t they have any large breeds at this show?” And of course, the answer is yes—lots and lots of large breeds.

However, my strategy for the show is to focus on the small dogs, mostly because of the off-the-charts cuteness factor, which is irresistible to me. They’re also a little easier to get close to, and thus easier —not necessarily easy — to photograph. The photography challenge is always the same: trying to capture a clear shot of a moving, energetic puppy while dozens of visitors are reaching in to pet them simultaneously. Photos that seem like they’re going to be adorable sometimes end up a little blurry, with plenty of hands and arms in the frame. But that’s life when your mission is to bring back photos of many charming little pooches that you might just find yourself wanting to have as a pet of your own.
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Holiday Gift Idea: Jasmine Tea Sampler from iTeaworld — A Fragrant Journey for the Senses

iteaworld jasmine tea blend gift box
All Images Source

Winter has officially arrived in New York City, and as temperatures drop, the simple pleasure of warming your hands around a steaming mug becomes irresistible. If you’re someone who appreciates a delicious cup of tea — or you’re searching for a thoughtful, unique holiday gift — the new Jasmine Tea Discovery: Six Styles Sampler from iTeaworld deserves your attention. Freshly scented with 2025 jasmine blossoms and beautifully presented, this limited-edition collection transforms a familiar ritual into an extraordinary aromatic experience.
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Steaming Through America: Meet the Japanese Artist Traveling the U.S. in a Mobile Sento Truck

mobile sento art truck photo by gail worley
All Photos By Gail

On occasion, New York City hands you a moment so random and delightful that you can’t help but stop, stare, and say, “Only in NY!” That’s exactly what happened on Veteran’s Day, when I stumbled upon a mysterious, hand-painted truck parked on Franklin Street in SoHo — not a food truck, not a delivery truck, but a fully functioning Japanese sento bathhouse and sauna on wheels, created by a 27-year-old artist from Japan who is currently steaming his way across America. Continue reading Steaming Through America: Meet the Japanese Artist Traveling the U.S. in a Mobile Sento Truck