Renowned Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama dies at 97

Yayoi Kusama, the celebrated Japanese avant-garde artist recognized globally for her iconic polka dots, mirrored infinity installations, and pumpkin sculptures, passed away at the age of 97. According to an official statement from her company, she died in a Tokyo hospital on August 14, 2026. She remained dedicated to her artistic practice until her final days, continuing to paint despite her advanced age.

Born in 1929 in Matsumoto, Japan, Kusama began her professional journey in the 1950s before relocating to New York in the 1960s. There, she became a pivotal figure in the avant-garde movement, influencing various disciplines including painting, sculpture, performance art, literature, and fashion. Her unique visual language, which often explored themes of infinity and repetition, was deeply rooted in her personal experiences with childhood hallucinations. This personal vision transformed her into one of the most recognizable and influential figures in modern art, leaving behind a profound legacy that has shaped contemporary culture worldwide.