Japanese avant-garde artist Yayoi Kusama dies aged 97

Yayoi Kusama, the internationally acclaimed Japanese artist renowned as the "polka dot queen," has passed away at the age of 97. Her company confirmed her death on Thursday, stating she died in a Tokyo hospital on August 14, 2026.

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It is with profound sorrow that the passing of Yayoi Kusama at a hospital in Tokyo on August 14, 2026, at the age of 97.

Kusama's extraordinary life was dedicated to artistic creation. She pioneered avant-garde practices across visual art, performance, fiction, and poetry, leaving an indelible mark on the global art scene. Her signature polka dot and net patterns, which she began creating at age 10, became instantly recognizable.

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Throughout an extraordinary lifetime devoted entirely to artistic creation, Kusama pursued an internationally acclaimed career as a pioneering avant-garde artist whose creative practice encompassed visual art, performance, fiction, and poetry.

Often seen in her signature bright red wig and bold spotted attire, Kusama's exuberant work was deeply intertwined with her lifelong battle with mental illness. Despite her struggles, she remained committed to her craft, painting until her final days and exploring themes of "forever love and eternal soul."

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She continued to paint until her final days, never setting aside her brush, and continued exploration of forever love and eternal soul.

Her company expressed profound sorrow at her passing but vowed to carry forward Kusama's artistic legacy. "We will carry forward Kusama's wishes and, through art, continue to bring hope and strength for the future to people around the world," the statement read, underscoring her enduring impact and aspirations.

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We will carry forward Kusama's wishes and, through art, continue to bring hope and strength for the future to people around the world.