Yayoi Kusama, 'Polka Dot Queen' & Avant-Garde Artist, Dies at 97

Japanese avant-garde artist Yayoi Kusama, globally celebrated as the "polka dot queen" for her iconic works, has passed away at the age of 97. Her company announced her death on Thursday, August 27, 2026, stating she died on August 14, 2026, at a hospital in Tokyo. Her passing marks the end of an extraordinary lifetime entirely devoted to artistic creation, leaving behind an indelible legacy in the art world.

Kusama's career was characterized by her pioneering spirit, encompassing visual art, performance, fiction, and poetry. She was a prolific artist, famously continuing to paint until her final days, never putting down her brush, and ceaselessly exploring themes of "forever love and eternal soul." Her distinctive style, instantly recognizable by her bright red wig and bold spotted outfits, was a direct expression of her profound artistic vision and her long battle with mental illness.

Born in 1929, Kusama began producing her signature dot and net patterns at the tender age of 10, a motif that would become central to her acclaimed body of work.

Her art often drew on her experiences with hallucinations, transforming personal struggles into universally resonant pieces.

From the 1950s through the 2020s, her vivid paintings, sculptures, and vast installations captivated audiences worldwide, causing a stir in cultural hubs like New York City and Europe in the 1960s with her polka-dot covered paintings, phallic sculptures, and public performances.

The statement from her company expressed profound sorrow, adding,

We will carry forward Kusama's wishes and, through art, continue to bring hope and strength for the future to people around the world.

Her impact as a global superstar and her commitment to art as a means of expression and healing will be remembered and cherished by generations to come.

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