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
Yayoi Kusama, iconic painter of polka dots, dies at 97
Gwangju Biennale reinstates Taiwan Pavilion
Helsinki Biennial Announces Theme and Artists for 2027 Edition
News
Gwangju Biennale reinstates Taiwan Pavilion
Following accusations of censorship, the participation of Taiwanese artists will now be named the Taiwan Pavilion rather than the ‘NTMoFA Pavilion’
Helsinki Biennial Announces Theme and Artists for 2027 Edition
The fourth edition of the biennial will explore the ‘Unknowns’, and will take place from June to September 2027
Gwangju Biennale accused of censoring pavilion title
The Taiwanese participants as well as Taiwan’s Ministry of Culture have called the naming change an act of ‘political censorship’
Park Seo-Bo Museum Opens in Seoul
The museum of Dansaekhwa master Park Seo-bo (1931–2023) is set to open to the public on 21 August, the artist's foundation has announced
Brett Littman named director of MCA San Diego
Littman was formerly deputy director of MoMA PS1, executive director at the Drawing Center and director of the Noguchi Museum
V&A Workers Set to Strike Despite Hydration Break Concession
Staff at the museum’s new East Storehouse have attacked museum management about access to water and toilets during shifts, while a wider dispute over pay and working conditions looks set to roll on through the summer
.jpg%3F2026-08-14T11%3A19%3A23.683Z&w=3840&q=100)
ICOM-US Backs Smithsonian Against Trump Pressure
ICOM-US has joined the American Alliance of Museums in defending the Smithsonian, weeks after its parent body strengthened its rules on museum independence
Aperture Reveals Programme for New Permanent New York Home
The photography publisher will open its 10,000 sq ft Upper West Side headquarters in September, four years after announcing plans for the permanent space
Elvira Dyangani Ose to Lead Zeitz MOCAA After Koyo Kouoh
The former MACBA director will take charge of the Cape Town museum’s artistic programme as it enters its first new chapter since the death of Koyo Kouoh
Sid Motion Gallery to Close After Ten Years in London
The South Bermondsey gallery will close this autumn, with founder Sid Motion saying its financial position no longer allows it to support its artists
Valerie Hillings to Lead Guggenheim Abu Dhabi
The North Carolina Museum of Art director returns to the project she helped shape for almost a decade ahead of the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi's opening in December
Francisco Correa Cordero, Founder of Lubov, Dies
The Mexico City-born dealer founded New York gallery Lubov in 2016, building a reputation for championing emerging artists and experimental practices
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter
Intel on the art market. Straight to your inbox.
