Taiwanese Entertainer Dong Zhicheng Mourns Avant-Garde Artist Yayoi Kusama

Taiwanese entertainer Dong Zhicheng expressed complex emotions following the death of Japanese avant-garde artist Yayoi Kusama, who passed away at 97. Dong Zhicheng has long been a topic of conversation in Taiwan due to his striking resemblance to the iconic artist.

Just two weeks prior to the announcement of Kusama's passing, Dong Zhicheng donned his signature red wig and polka-dot attire to embody the artist for a senior citizen event in New Taipei City. He accompanied the elderly attendees on outings and to art exhibitions, a recent experience that now feels particularly profound.

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The original version is gone, but if you want to see the knockoff version, you can still find me.

Dong Zhicheng has frequently imitated Kusama for television programs and events, forging unique connections with the art world. He described Kusama as Japan's national treasure and a supremely great artist. He conveyed a mix of joy and sorrow regarding his past impersonations, feeling honored to have had the opportunity to interpret the master's persona.

He recalled instances where friends mistook Kusama's posters in Japan for him, humorously referring to himself as the "knockoff version." While acknowledging Kusama's absence, Dong Zhicheng believes her art and image will endure. He bid farewell to the artist with her signature "Sayonara! Yayoi Kusama!"

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Sayonara! Yayoi Kusama!