Japan’s ‘polka dot queen’ Yayoi Kusama dies aged 97
Internationally acclaimed Yayoi Kusama continued to paint until her final days, never setting aside her brush, according to her company.
Yayoi Kusama, the renowned Japanese avant-garde artist famously known as the "polka dot queen," has passed away at the age of 97, as confirmed by her company on Thursday. Her company released a statement expressing deep sorrow over the artist's passing, which occurred at a hospital in Tokyo on August 14, 2026. Kusama's artistic journey was one of extraordinary dedication, spanning her entire lifetime, during which she made significant contributions to visual art, performance, fiction, and poetry.
She continued to paint even until her final days, maintaining her commitment to her art form. Throughout her life, Kusama's work was characterized by its vibrant use of polka dots and nets, which she began creating at the age of ten. Her distinctive style, often seen in her bright red wig and bold spotted outfits, was a reflection of her ongoing struggle with mental illness.
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