Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, whose was known for polka dots, pumpkins and infinity mirror rooms turned her into one of the world's most celebrated contemporary artists, has died at the age of 97. Kusama died at a hospital in Tokyo on August 14, 2026, according to a statement from the Yayoi Kusama Museum and Studio. Her cause of death was not disclosed.
Behind the bright colours and seemingly endless patterns was a deeply personal artistic journey. Kusama had spoken openly about experiencing hallucinations from childhood, including visions of flashing lights, flowers and fields of dots. She eventually turned those experiences into the visual language that made her famous around the world.
