Yayoi Kusama, iconic Japanese artist known for polka dots and pumpkins, dies at 97

Yayoi Kusama, the celebrated Japanese artist whose vibrant polka dots and iconic pumpkin sculptures captivated the world, died on March 14 at a hospital in Tokyo. She was 97.

Her studio announced her passing on March 27, marking the end of a prolific career that spanned nearly seven decades. Kusama's work, characterized by obsessive repetitions of dots, nets, and organic forms, pushed the boundaries of contemporary art. She was known for her "Infinity Mirror Rooms," immersive installations that create a sense of infinite space using mirrors and lights, drawing massive crowds globally.

Born in Nagano Prefecture in 1929, Kusama experienced hallucinations from a young age, which she translated into art. Her signature motifs, including polka dots and pumpkins, began to appear in her work around age 10. In 1957, she moved to New York, where she became a prominent figure in the avant-garde scene, experimenting with painting, sculpture, performance art, and even film.

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Kusama Yayoi passed away peacefully on March 14 at a hospital in Tokyo. She dedicated her 97 years of life to avant-garde art, exploring eternal love and the soul until the very end.

After returning to Japan in 1973, Kusama continued to create art, also focusing on writing novels and poetry. She experienced a significant career revival in the 1990s, particularly after representing Japan at the Venice Biennale in 1993. Her "Infinity Mirror Rooms" became a global phenomenon, leading to major exhibitions at institutions like the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Tate Modern in London.

Kusama often expressed a desire to remain an "outsider" artist, even contemplating her post-mortem legacy. Her studio stated that her legacy will continue through art, aiming to convey hope and strength for the future to people worldwide.

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I cannot imagine how I will be classified after my death. I like being an outsider.