Yayoi Kusama, the Iconic ‘Polka Dot Queen,’ Passes Away at 97

Yayoi Kusama, the celebrated Japanese avant-garde artist renowned as the "polka dot queen," has died at the age of 97. A statement from her company announced her passing on August 14, 2026, in a Tokyo hospital.

Kusama's artistic journey spanned decades, encompassing visual art, performance, fiction, and poetry. She remained dedicated to her craft until the end, famously stating that she never put down her brush, continuously exploring themes of love and the eternal soul.

Born in 1929, Kusama began creating her iconic dot patterns at just 10 years old. Her distinctive style, marked by her bright red wig and bold attire, was a vibrant reflection of her life experiences, including her long struggle with mental illness.

Source: www.thehindu.com