Yayoi Kusama, Iconic 'Polka-Dot Pumpkin' Artist, Dies at 97
Creatrip Team
25 days ago
Yayoi Kusama, the influential Japanese contemporary artist known for polka dots, pumpkins and mirrored infinity rooms, has died at 97 from multiple organ failure. Kusama transformed her lifelong hallucinations and auditory experiences into art, using motifs like dots, nets and pumpkins to evoke a sense of infinity. After studying in Kyoto, she moved to the U.S. in 1957 where works such as her “infinity nets” and public performances (including painting polka dots on nude models) gained attention. Returning to Japan in 1973 amid financial and mental health struggles, she voluntarily entered a Tokyo psychiatric hospital but continued creating art. Her international recognition was renewed with the 1993 Venice Biennale; her works remain highly sought after by collectors.
