Japanese avant-garde artist Yayoi Kusama, celebrated for her vibrant polka-dot motifs and immersive "Infinity Mirror Rooms," has died at the age of 97, her company confirmed. Kusama passed away at a Tokyo hospital on August 14, 2026.
Her company stated that Kusama dedicated her life to artistic creation and pursued an internationally acclaimed career as a pioneering artist whose work spanned visual art, performance, fiction, and poetry. Known for her signature bright-red wig and polka-dot attire, Kusama lived voluntarily in a psychiatric hospital for decades, continuing her artistic endeavors until her final days. Her work often explored themes of "forever love and eternal soul."
Kusama achieved global recognition and became a cultural icon in her 80s and 90s, despite being largely overlooked for much of her career. In the 1960s, she challenged the male-dominated art scene in New York with exhibitions featuring phallic sculptures and instances of public nudity. Her "Infinity Mirror Rooms," first created in 1965, which use mirrors and lights to create seemingly endless spaces, have drawn millions of visitors.
Later in her career, her polka-dot and pumpkin-themed works became highly sought-after, solidifying her status as one of the world's most recognizable artists. The statement from her company indicated a commitment to carrying forward Kusama's legacy by continuing to use art to bring hope and strength to people worldwide.