Yayoi Kusama, Japanese avant-garde pioneer, dies at 97

Yayoi Kusama, the Japanese avant-garde artist who revolutionised contemporary art through her obsessive polka-dot motifs and pumpkin installations, died on Tuesday at age 97. The Tokyo native passed away at a hospital in the capital, where she had resided in recent years.

Kusama's artistic journey was marked by an extraordinary ability to channel her lifelong hallucinatory experiences into visually compelling works. Beginning her career in the 1950s, she became known for her infinite mirror rooms, repetitive dot patterns, and iconic pumpkin sculptures that captivated audiences worldwide. Her work bridged the gap between Japanese artistic traditions and Western contemporary movements, establishing her as a singular voice in modern art.

Throughout a career spanning more than seven decades, Kusama produced paintings, sculptures, films, and large-scale installations that explored themes of infinity, obliteration, and spiritual transcendence. Her Infinity Mirror Rooms became particularly sought-after attractions at major museums globally, drawing millions of visitors eager to experience her immersive vision. Despite struggling with mental health challenges documented throughout her life, she continued creating prolifically from her studio in Tokyo.

Kusama's influence extended beyond visual arts into fashion, literature, and popular culture, making her one of Asia's most recognizable contemporary artists. Her achievements earned her numerous accolades, including representation at major international biennales and retrospectives at leading institutions worldwide. She remained actively engaged in her artistic practice until recent years, cementing her legacy as a transformative figure in 20th and 21st-century art.