# Death and posthumous legacy of artist Yayoi Kusama > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/20260829-death-of-artist-yayoi-kusama > Updated: 2026-09-11T03:04:47.000Z. Sources: 455. Developments: 5. Japanese avant-garde artist Yayoi Kusama died at the age of 97 on August 14, 2026, at a hospital in Tokyo. Known as the ‘Queen of Polka Dots,’ Kusama was a pioneering figure in contemporary art, famous for her repetitive net paintings, immersive ‘Infinity Mirror Rooms,’ and motifs that explored themes of infinity and ‘self-obliteration.’ Following her death, several major exhibitions and tributes have been organized to honor her legacy. On September 11, 2026, the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam opened a major posthumous retrospective. The exhibition features over seventy years of her work, including a large yellow pumpkin sculpture with signature black dots and the installation titled ‘Infinity Mirrored Room — The Hope Of The Polka Dots Buried In Infinity Will Eternally Cover The Universe.’ Curator Leontine Coelewij noted that Kusama’s use of repetitive motifs served as a way to process hallucinations and explore the cosmos. The museum show highlights her long-standing connections to the Netherlands, dating back to her activities in Amsterdam during the 1960s. In Japan, a memorial screening of the 2008 documentary ‘Near Equal: Yayoi Kusama I Adore Myself’ is scheduled to begin on October 2, 2026, at various locations including Human Trust Cinema Yurakucho. Directed by Takako Matsumoto, the film captures Kusama’s daily life and creative passion. Matsumoto, who has collaborated with the artist since 1995, described Kusama herself as her ‘greatest masterpiece.’ Additionally, the David Zwirner gallery in New York has announced a posthumous exhibition for April 2027, focusing on the final decade of her career. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-11: Yayoi Kusama documentary memorial screening announced in Japan A memorial screening of Takako Matsumoto’s 2008 documentary ‘Near Equal: Yayoi Kusama I Adore Myself’ will begin in Japanese theaters on October 2, 2026, following the artist's passing. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/yayoi-kusama-documentary-memorial-screening-announced-in-japan ### 2026-09-09: Stedelijk Museum opens posthumous Yayoi Kusama exhibition The Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam has launched a posthumous exhibition celebrating the life and work of Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama following her recent death. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/stedelijk-museum-opens-posthumous-yayoi-kusama-exhibition ### 2026-09-02: Yayoi Kusama: Posthumous exhibitions announced following death at 97 Following the death of avant-garde artist Yayoi Kusama at age 97, major exhibitions are planned for 2026 and 2027 in Amsterdam and New York to celebrate her global artistic legacy. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/yayoi-kusama-posthumous-exhibition-announced-for-new-york-in-2027 ### 2026-08-29: Yayoi Kusama dies at 97 in Tokyo Japanese contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama has died at age 97 in Tokyo. She was world-famous for her polka dots, infinity nets, and immersive mirror installations. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/yayoi-kusama-dies-at-97-leaving-a-legacy-of-immersive-art ### 2026-08-27: Yayoi Kusama, iconic Japanese avant-garde artist, dies at 97 Renowned Japanese avant-garde artist Yayoi Kusama has died at age 97 in Tokyo. Known for her signature polka dots and immersive installations, her prolific career spanned seven decades. 443 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/yayoi-kusama-dies-at-97-in-tokyo --- Cite as: Death and posthumous legacy of artist Yayoi Kusama. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/20260829-death-of-artist-yayoi-kusama