News of Bahrain
World27 August 20261 min read

‘Polka Dot Queen’ Yayoi Kusama Dies at 97

By RD. Email: online@newsofbahrain.com Tokyo: Yayoi Kusama, the famous Japanese avant-garde artist known for her characteristic polka dots, mirrored installations, and psychedelic artworks, died at the age of 97. Kusama died in a Tokyo hospital on August 14, 2026, according to her studi

Sara Al-Khalifa

Published 27 August 2026, 5:00 · Updated 18:26

Link copied
‘Polka Dot Queen’ Yayoi Kusama Dies at 97

Email: online@newsofbahrain.com

Tokyo: Yayoi Kusama, the famous Japanese avant-garde artist known for her characteristic polka dots, mirrored installations, and psychedelic artworks, died at the age of 97.

Kusama died in a Tokyo hospital on August 14, 2026, according to her studio and official website. The cause of death had not been revealed. Her studio stated that she continued to paint until her death, defining her life as fully dedicated to artistic creativity.

Kusama was born in Matsumoto, Japan, in 1929, and began making art as a child. Her work was heavily influenced by repeated fantasies and visions, which she eventually incorporated into paintings, sculptures, and interactive installations.

She moved to New York in 1957 and became involved with the city's avant-garde art scene before returning to Japan in 1973. Her trademark installations, particularly the Infinity Mirror Rooms, drew millions of visitors from around the world, establishing her status as a cultural icon.

Sara Al-Khalifa

Share your reaction!

Join the conversation

Sign in to leave a comment. Every comment is reviewed before it goes live.

No comments yet. Start the conversation.