TOKYO — Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, renowned for her iconic polka dots, has died at the age of 97, according to her studio. She passed away on August 14 at a hospital in Tokyo. Kusama’s final statement emphasized her lifelong dedication to painting, stating she never stopped her brush until her final days, continuing her exploration of love and eternal soul through art. She was one of Japan’s most respected contemporary artists, widely exhibited globally, including at the Museum of Modern Art and Whitney Museum of American Art in New York. Her repetitive motifs, often dots, swirls, or netting, became her trademark, appearing in paintings, sculptures, and installations worldwide.
The Las Vegas Infinity Museum at Boulevard Mall features an infinity room inspired by Kusama’s work, using mirrors and light tricks to create an endless space. In a 2012 interview, Kusama declared, 'Polka dots are fabulous,' and aimed to create thousands of paintings. She painted as she saw the world—covered in spots, influenced by childhood hallucinations. Despite decades in psychiatric institutions, her artistic vision persisted. In 1957, she became one of the first Japanese women to pursue art in New York, enduring poverty and obscurity before gaining fame. Her bold, accessible style earned collaborations with brands like Louis Vuitton and sold works for millions, including a 2008 Christie’s auction for $5.8 million. In 2016, she received Japan’s highest artistic honor, the Order of Culture.
Kusama’s early struggles included rejection by her parents, who wanted her to marry, and years of obscurity in New York. Despite initial resistance to her dotty style, she thrived, performing anti-war happenings and befriending artists like Andy Warhol and Georgia O’Keeffe. Her works, such as *Macaroni Girl* and *Mirrored Corridor*, blend surrealism with celebration. Though unsure of her artistic origins, she embraced her process, often surprised by her creations. Kusama’s legacy blends vulnerability and defiance, making her an artistic revolutionary and a symbol of perseverance in art.