Yayoi Kusama, the Japanese avant-garde artist whose polka dots and immersive installations captivated global audiences, has died aged 96. Her studio confirmed the news, prompting tributes from the art world.
A life of bold patterns and infinite rooms
Born in 1929 in Matsumoto, Japan, Kusama moved to the United States in the late 1950s, where she became a defining figure of the New York avant-garde. Her work spanned painting, sculpture, performance and installation, often featuring her signature polka dots and mirrored 'Infinity Rooms'.
Kusama's art addressed themes of mental health, sexuality and obsession, drawing from her own experiences. She voluntarily lived in a psychiatric facility in Tokyo from 1977 until her death, continuing to create art daily.
Global acclaim and lasting legacy
Her retrospective exhibitions drew record crowds at major museums worldwide, and her public sculptures became landmarks in cities from Tokyo to New York. Kusama's influence extended into fashion and popular culture, with collaborations with major brands.
Her death marks the end of a career that redefined contemporary art, leaving behind a vast body of work that continues to inspire. Tributes have poured in from artists and institutions, celebrating her fearless creativity and resilience.
