Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, famed for her polka dots, dies at 97
Born into a middle-class family, Kusama felt misunderstood by parents who wanted her to marry rather than pursue art. She eventually left for the US.
Yayoi Kusama, a renowned Japanese artist known for her vibrant and iconic polka dot artworks, has died at the age of 97. According to her studio, she passed away on August 14 at a hospital in Tokyo. Kusama's career spanned over six decades and included a wide range of artistic mediums, such as visual art, performance, fiction, and poetry.
Born in 1929 in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, Kusama began producing her signature art at the age of 10. She experienced hallucinations from a young age, which she later depicted in her works as a way to overcome her fears. After studying art in Japan, Kusama moved to the United States in the late 1950s, where she rose to prominence in New York's art scene. Her work was influenced by her mental health struggles, and she was candid about her experiences with neuroses.
Kusama's artwork featured repetitive motifs, including polka dots, nets, and infinity motifs. She continued to paint until her final days, and her studio has stated that she will continue to bring hope and strength to people around the world through her art. The cause of her death was reported by Tempo.co English as multi-organ failure.
Brief written by urgent.news from Euronews, Malay Mail, Jerusalem Post, The Korea Times, Tempo.co English — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
