Yayoi Kusama, Japan’s ‘queen of polka dots’, dies at 97

Kusama turned her hallucinations into works that ranged from polka dot paintings to 'Infinity Mirror Rooms'.

Renowned contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama has died at age 97 in a Tokyo hospital. Kusama's work was shown in museums around the world. Repetitive motifs in various shapes were her trademark, especially dots that danced on canvases or sparkled as balls or dots of light in her installations.

Skip to contentThursday, August 27, 2026Keep reading by creating a free account or signing in.Sign outKeep reading by creating a free account or signing in.Sign outWiresApFILE - Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama poses for photographers in front of her painting "Love Arrives at the Earth Carrying with it a Tale of the Cosmos

"It is with profound sorrow that the passing of Yayoi Kusama at a hospital in Tokyo on August 14, 2026, at the age of 97," the statement said.

The Japanese artist has died at age 97. Kusama's polka dotted pumpkins, "Infinity Rooms," and other repetitive and dreamlike artworks have been shown in museums and galleries worldwide.

Kusama died Aug. 14 at a hospital in Tokyo, Yayoi Kusama Studio said.

TOKYO -- 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.Kusama died Aug. 14 at a hospital in Tokyo, Yayoi Kusama Studio said.“She continued to paint until her final days, never setting

Yayoi Kusama, who splashed polka dots across art world, dies at 97 in Tokyo  AP News

Yayoi Kusama, Who Splashed Polka Dots Across Art World, Dies At 97 In Tokyo  HuffPost

Yayoi Kusama, who splashed polka dots across art world, dies at 97  Toronto Star

Japan's Yayoi Kusama, who turned hallucinations into art, dies at 97  Reuters