Queen of Polka Dots Yayoi Kusama Passes Away in Tokyo at 97
Japanese avant-garde artist Yayoi Kusama, known for her sculptures and infinity rooms, passed away in Tokyo on August 14, 2026.
Globally known as the 'Queen of Polka Dots,' Japanese avant-garde artist Yayoi Kusama passed away at the age of 97 in a Tokyo hospital on August 14, 2026.
The Artist's Passing and Company Statement
Yayoi Kusama's company announced with deep sorrow that the artist passed away at the age of 97 in a Tokyo hospital on August 14, 2026. The statement emphasized that Kusama's wishes will be kept alive and hope will be brought to the world through art.
Turning Points of Her Career
Spanning a career of nearly 60 years, Kusama worked between Japan and the US. Creating a major sensation in New York in the 1960s with her phallic sculptures and nude demonstrations, the artist became a global cultural icon after decades of being overlooked.
Infinity Rooms and Psychiatric Treatment
Her 1965 work 'Infinity Mirror Rooms,' created using mirrors and lights, drew millions of visitors. Disturbed by male contemporaries copying her ideas, the artist returned to Japan and voluntarily checked into a psychiatric facility.
Resurgence and Auction Successes
Kusama became the first Japanese artist to solely represent her country at the 1993 Venice Biennale. Following this success, her recognition grew, one of her paintings sold for approximately $10.5 million in 2022, and her works met with luxury brands.
Childhood Hallucinations and the Pumpkin Motif
Experiencing hallucinations of flashing lights as a child, Kusama used her art to express how she saw the world. She defined the pumpkin motif, which frequently featured in her works, as a symbol of comfort and nostalgia.