Japan's 'polka dot queen' artist Yayoi Kusama dies aged 97

Japan's Yayoi Kusama, a celebrated contemporary artist known as the "polka dot queen," has passed away at the age of 97, according to a statement from her company on August 14. The artist, whose career spanned decades and continents, was renowned for her use of hallucinations, mental health battles, and distinctive motifs such as polka dots, nets, and infinity symbols in her vibrant art.

Kusama's work, which encompassed visual art, performance, fiction, and poetry, continued even in her final days, with the artist never setting aside her brush. Born in 1929 into a wealthy, conservative family, Kusama began creating her signature art at the age of ten. She moved to the United States in the late 1950s, where she gained fame for her bold paintings, provocative happenings, and fashion line, all while facing discrimination as a Japanese woman.

Kusama returned to Japan in the 1970s, where she lived in a Tokyo psychiatric hospital, continuing to create art until her death. Her art, instantly recognizable by her bright red wig and bold spotted outfits, has attracted crowds and sold for millions, including her infinity rooms, pumpkin sculptures, and immersive installations.

Kusama's work continues to inspire and resonate with people worldwide, with her unique perspective and boundless imagination earning her praise from figures such as Apple CEO Tim Cook.