ArtsJapan
Japan's 'polka dot queen,' Yayoi Kusama, dies at 97

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Anke Rebbert
August 27, 2026Advertisement
Yayoi Kusama, the Japanese artist known worldwide as the "Polka Dot Queen," has died at the age of 97.
Celebrated for her signature dots, infinity motifs and immersive installations, Kusama transformed personal experiences with hallucinations and mental health into some of contemporary art's most recognizable works.
From the avant-garde scene in 1960s New York to her later years creating art from a Tokyo psychiatric hospital, Kusamabuilt a global legacy that inspired generations and drew millions to exhibitions around the world.