Yayoi Kusama, who splashed polka dots across art world, dies at 97 in Tokyo

Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, known for her signature polka dots, passed away at the age of 97 in Tokyo. The artist's studio announced her death on Thursday, without disclosing the cause of her demise. Kusama continued to paint until her final days, never letting go of her brush. Her studio expressed that Kusama's wish was to carry forward her art and bring hope and strength to people worldwide.

The renowned artist was exhibited globally, including at the Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York, and the Museum Ludwig in Germany. Kusama's work featured repetitive motifs, most commonly dots, in various shapes and forms. She believed her art reflected her hallucinations from childhood. Kusama's unique style caught the attention of fashion brands and other licensed products, as well as prestigious awards such as the Order of Culture in Japan.

Despite being labeled as pop, avant-garde, and feminist, Kusama rejected these categories as not accurately representing her art. Her journey from a middle-class family in Japan to New York, where she faced poverty and obscurity but continued painting, led to her eventual fame and recognition. Kusama's art was characterized by quirky yet celebratory works, such as "Macaroni Girl," "The Visionary Flowers," and "Mirrored Corridor."