Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama dies at 97

Yayoi Kusama, the iconic Japanese artist celebrated worldwide for her vibrant polka dot motifs and immersive installations, has died at the age of 97. Her passing was announced on her official website on Thursday, August 17, stating she died on August 14 in a Tokyo hospital.

The announcement shared that Kusama "continued to paint until her last days, never putting down her brush, and continued to explore eternal love and the immortal soul." This dedication to her craft remained a hallmark of her extraordinary life, which was entirely devoted to artistic creation.

Kusama, a pivotal figure in the psychedelic art movement, was considered one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. Her work, characterized by obsessive repetitions of dots, nets, and organic forms, was exhibited in major museums across the globe. She received numerous accolades, including Japan's Order of the Arts and Letters and the Order of Culture.

Born in Matsumoto on March 22, 1929, Kusama began painting at a young age, developing the signature style that would define her career. In 1990, she voluntarily entered a mental institution, from which she continued to produce a prolific body of work across various mediums. Her artistic practice spanned visual arts, performance, fiction, and poetry, earning her international acclaim as a pioneering avant-garde artist.

Kusama was also the first woman to receive the Praemium Imperiale from the Japan Art Association in 2006, one of the world's most prestigious international art awards. Her legacy continues to inspire, with her unique vision leaving an indelible mark on contemporary art.