Yayoi Kusama

Born in Matsumoto, Japan, in 1929, Yayoi Kusama (1920-2026) began making art from a very young age. Art became her outlet, and the visions and experiences of her childhood would go on to shape her unique and unmistakable style. She remained devoted to her practice throughout her life, continuing to paint until her final days.

Kusama once said:

“I fight pain, anxiety, and fear every day, and the only method I have found that relieves my illness is to keep creating art.”

That inseparable relationship between life and art became a defining part of her practice. Across her extraordinary career, she continually pushed the boundaries of painting, sculpture, installation, performance, writing and more, becoming one of the world’s most celebrated and sort after artists.