Yayoi Kusama

Japan b. 1929

Yayoi Kusama is a Japanese contemporary artist known for her avant-garde work encompassing various mediums such as painting, sculpture, installation, and performance art.

Kusama was born in Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan, and showed an early interest in art. In 1957, she moved to the United States where she gained recognition in the New York art scene. Throughout her career, she has been associated with avant-garde movements such as Pop Art, Minimalism, and Feminist art.

Best known for her immersive infinity mirror rooms and her use of polka dots and nets, Kusama's work often explores themes of infinity, repetition, and the interconnectedness of the universe. Her art is deeply personal and often reflects her experiences with mental illness and the struggles of overcoming trauma.

Over the years, Kusama's work has been exhibited extensively in major museums and galleries worldwide, cementing her status as one of the most influential contemporary artists. Notable exhibitions include retrospectives at the Whitney Museum of American Art, Tate Modern, and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. Yayoi Kusama's signature polka dots, pumpkins, and her unique blend of Pop Art, abstraction and traditional Japanese techniques make her the highest-selling female artist today.