Japanese avant-garde artist Yayoi Kusama dies at 97

Japanese avant-garde artist Yayoi Kusama, a global icon of contemporary art, passed away on August 27, 2026, at the age of 97. Her company officially announced her death, noting that the artist remained dedicated to her creative work, including painting, until the final days of her life.

Kusama began her career in Japan during the early 1950s before relocating to New York in the 1960s, where she became a pivotal figure in the avant-garde art scene. Her extensive body of work is characterized by unique visual motifs, including signature polka dots, infinite mirror installations, and iconic pumpkin sculptures. Over her decades-long career, her influence spanned diverse disciplines including painting, sculpture, performance art, fashion, and literature, successfully bridging personal artistic vision with global recognition.

Following her passing, tributes continue to highlight her profound impact on modern visual culture, noting that her distinctive style remained instantly recognizable worldwide. No further details regarding funeral arrangements or post-mortem legacy projects have been released at this time.