Yayoi Kusama, Era-Defining Artist of Dots, Mirrors, and Infinity, Dies at 97

Yayoi Kusama, a Japanese avant-garde artist, has died at the age of 97. According to The Mainichi, she died of multiple organ failure at a Tokyo hospital on August 14. Kusama was known for her repetitive imagery of polka dots, pumpkin sculptures, and mesmerizing mirror-based installations.

Kusama's career spanned over 60 years, and she was a trailblazer in contemporary art. She began experiencing hallucinations at a young age, which she later depicted in her works as a means to overcome fears. As DW English reported, Kusama attributed these early visions to the psychological strain of growing up with an unloving mother. Her works often appeared playful, but they also reflected her mental health challenges.

Kusama's art gained international recognition, with her "Infinity Mirror Rooms" attracting global popularity on Instagram. The New York Times and NYT Arts reported that her polka-dot covered paintings, phallic sculptures, and public performances caused a stir in New York City and Europe in the 1960s. Kusama's shows drew big crowds around the world, and her paintings were auctioned off for millions of dollars apiece.

Brief written by urgent.news from Artnet News, DW English (Top Stories), The Mainichi, The New York Times, NYT Arts — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.