Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama dies at 97

Japan’s celebrated contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama died at the age of 97, her management company announced on Thursday, prompting tributes from cultural institutions and artists worldwide. Known as the “polka‑dot queen,” Kusama’s death marks the loss of one of the most influential figures in modern art, whose work has been exhibited across major museums and galleries on every continent.

Kusama’s career, spanning more than seven decades, transformed personal experiences of hallucinations and mental‑health struggles into a distinctive visual language of repetitive dots, nets and infinity installations. Her prolific output—ranging from paintings and sculptures to immersive environments—has shaped global perceptions of avant‑garde art and inspired countless creators. As the art world mourns, officials and peers emphasize that her visionary motifs will continue to resonate, ensuring her legacy endures within the cultural landscape.