Yayoi Kusama dies at 97 in Tokyo

Renowned Japanese contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama has passed away at the age of 97. She died on August 14, 2026, in a hospital in Tokyo, according to announcements from her official website and international media.

Kusama was globally recognized for her signature use of polka dots, repetitive patterns, and immersive installations such as her ‘Infinity Mirror Rooms’ and large-scale pumpkin sculptures. Her work often explored themes of ‘self-obliteration,’ a concept used to describe the merging of the individual with the universe through repetitive motifs.

Born in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, Kusama moved to New York City in 1957, where she became a central figure in the avant-garde art scene, interacting with artists like Andy Warhol. Her career spanned over seven decades, during which she transformed personal psychological experiences and hallucinations into a unique visual language. Despite her age, reports indicate she continued to paint and create art until her final days.