Yayoi Kusama, Iconic Artist Known for Polka Dots, Dies at 97

Yayoi Kusama, the visionary Japanese artist whose work was instantly recognizable by its vibrant polka dots, has died at the age of 97. Her studio confirmed her passing on Thursday, August 14, stating that she remained dedicated to her art until her final moments.

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Polka dots are fabulous.

Kusama's studio released a statement emphasizing her lifelong commitment to her craft: "She continued to paint until her final days, never setting aside her brush, and continued exploration of forever love and eternal soul." The studio pledged to carry forward her legacy, using art to bring hope and strength globally.

Globally acclaimed, Kusama was one of Japan's most revered contemporary artists. Her work, characterized by repetitive motifs like netting, swirls, and most famously, dots, was exhibited internationally at prestigious institutions including the Museum of Modern Art and the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York. Her art was often described as psychedelic, a reflection of her unique perception of the world.

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I want to create a thousand paintings, maybe two thousand paintings, as many as I can draw. I will keep painting until I die.

Despite battling hallucinations from childhood, which she said influenced her art, Kusama pursued her passion with unwavering determination. She was among the first Japanese women to move to New York in 1957 to advance her artistic career. Though described as soft-spoken, her artistic vision was bold and consistent, making her dotty style accessible to a wide audience.

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I feel there is little left in my life, but I am now still fighting to the death for my art. I am giving all I have so that many people will continue to be interested in my art, even after I am dead.

In her later years, Kusama achieved widespread fame, collaborating with fashion brands like Louis Vuitton and licensing her designs for various products. Her work commanded significant prices at auction, and in 2016, she received Japan's most prestigious award for artists, the Order of Culture. She famously stated, "I am giving all I have so that many people will continue to be interested in my art, even after I am dead."

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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.