Yayoi Kusama, groundbreaking Japanese artist known for her signature polka dots, dies at 97
Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, who splashed her signature polka dots on paintings, sculptures and museum installations around the world, has died, her studio said Thursday. She was 97.
TL;DR
- Yayoi Kusama, a highly respected contemporary Japanese artist, died at 97.
- Her signature style featured repetitive motifs, most notably polka dots, seen in paintings, sculptures, and installations.
- Kusama drew inspiration from childhood hallucinations, perceiving the world as covered in spots.
- She moved to New York in 1957, pursuing her art despite early poverty and obscurity.
- Her work gained significant fame later in life, leading to collaborations with fashion brands and commercial products.
- Kusama received Japan's prestigious Order of Culture award in 2016.
- She also explored other artistic forms, including film and novels.