Yayoi Kusama, Iconic Painter of Polka Dots, Dies at 97
The artist developed a body of work recognisable for its obsession with repetition
© YAYOI KUSAMA. Courtesy David Zwirner
Yayoi Kusama, the Japanese artist best known for her works featuring mirrors and polka dots, has died aged 97.
Born in Matsumoto, Japan in 1929, the artist first rose to prominence in New York in the 1960s and early 70s. She developed a body of work spanning painting, installation and performance, and developed a style that became recognised for its obsession with repetition, most often of polka dots.
The artist gained widespread international recognition during her lifetime, evidenced by the numerous blockbuster exhibitions of her work around the world. In the last decade, her immersive work has reached an expanded audience, with works such as her Infinity Mirror Room installations (1965–) gaining widespread popularity on social media platforms. Her pumpkin and polka dot patterns also became known beyond the artworld through a series of brand partnerships, including with Lancome, Veuve Clicquot and Louis Vuitton.
Related content
News
Aldar Announces New Saadiyat Development Ahead of Frieze Abu Dhabi
The property developer has unveiled plans for NOMA, a development adjoining Manarat Al Saadiyat that is set to host part of Frieze Abu Dhabi
Pinault Collection to permanently display 106 works at Palazzo Grassi
The Pinault Collection has announced that it will permanently host a selection of its works at Venice’s Palazzo Grassi
Unathi Mkonto wins Nicoletta Fiorucci Foundation Prize at Frieze London 2026
For its second edition, the Nicoletta Fiorucci Foundation Prize rewarded the South African artist for his innovative architectural sculptures
Peter Nagy, Artist and Gallerist Behind Nature Morte, Has Died
The American postconceptual artist, who cofounded the East Village gallery in 1982 and re-established it in New Delhi, was sixty-seven.
The Onassis Foundation Opens New Open-Air Arts Space In Athens
The Onassis Foundation unveils Onassis Mandra, a restored Belle Époque theatre in Athens, with Céleste Boursier-Mougenot’s immersive sound installation
Austrian presidential hopeful pledges to return Aztec headdress to Mexico
As Austria prepares for 2028 elections, a presidential hopeful said he would return a contested Aztec object to Mexico
Prague’s First International Contemporary Art Fair to Launch Next Spring
The Czech Republic’s first international art fair, Prague Contemporary, will hold its inaugural edition at the Industrial Palace in Výstaviště Praha at the end of April next year.
Bangkok Art Biennale Announces the Complete Lineup for Its Fifth Edition
72 artists from around the world will take over Bangkok across temples, museums, cultural institutions and public spaces from 29 October 2026 to 28 February 2027.
The Van Gogh Museum Reaches Agreement on Renovation Budget
The Van Gogh Museum has reached a settlement with the Dutch government over the financing of the museum’s renovation, set to start in late 2028.
Louvre Abu Dhabi Names New Director
Souraya Noujaim returns to the museum where she previously spent five years as its collections director.
Tang Contemporary Closes Its Hong Kong Gallery
Tang Contemporary’s Wong Chuk Hang space in Hong Kong has indefinitely shut following allegations of outstanding debts across its network
Paris Photo Looks to Younger Collectors in Its Bicentenary Edition
As the fair marks 200 years of photography, its programme spans historical work, environmental concerns and AI-generated images
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter
Intel on the art market. Straight to your inbox.
