Japanese polka dot artist Yayoi Kusama dies aged 97

Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, renowned for her polka dot-covered art and installations, passed away at the age of 97. Kusama, who voluntarily resided in psychiatric hospitals for many years, was known for her distinctive red wig and larger-than-life creations. Her exhibitions attracted global audiences, and her works fetched some of the highest prices ever for a female artist.

Her company stated that Kusama pursued an internationally acclaimed career encompassing visual art, performance, fiction, and poetry. She continued to paint until her final days, focusing on themes of eternal love and soul. Kusama gained recognition in her 80s and 90s after decades of being overlooked in a male-dominated art scene.

She faced criticism in her native Japan due to frequent nudity in her works and felt dejected when her ideas were copied by male contemporaries. Eventually, she returned to Japan, where she received art therapy and created art until the end. Kusama became Japan's first solo artist to represent the country at the 1993 Venice Biennale and received the Asahi Prize in 2001.

Her Infinity Mirror Rooms, filled with mirrors and lights, created an immersive experience for visitors. Kusama's iconic pumpkin motif symbolized comfort and nostalgia for her. Her popularity surged in recent years, particularly on social media, with her art becoming a popular pose for selfies. Kusama was born in rural Japan in 1929 and faced disapproval from her conservative family due to her artistic pursuits.