Culture
Renowned Avant-Garde Artist Yayoi Kusama Passes Away at 97
Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, famous for her iconic polka-dot art and red wig, has died at the age of 97.
According to a report by Khaosod Online citing BBC, the studio of legendary Japanese avant-garde artist Yayoi Kusama has confirmed her passing. Kusama died at a hospital in Tokyo on August 14, 2026, at the age of 97.
Throughout her prolific career, Kusama explored various mediums, including visual arts, performance, novels, and poetry. She gained global recognition as a cultural icon, particularly in her later years, after being the first Japanese woman to represent her country at the Venice Biennale in 1993. Her work, often characterized by repetitive polka dots, originated from her childhood experiences with hallucinations, which she channeled into art to manage her fears. In 2022, one of her paintings was auctioned for approximately 10.5 million USD.
For travelers and residents in Thailand, Kusama’s influence remains significant, as her immersive installations have frequently been featured in international exhibitions and art spaces globally. Her life story, marked by her voluntary residence in a psychiatric hospital for decades, serves as a testament to the power of art as a therapeutic medium. While her passing marks the end of an era for the avant-garde movement, her legacy continues to inspire art enthusiasts worldwide. At this time, no further details regarding public memorial services or specific exhibition changes have been confirmed.