Yayoi Kusama

22 March 1929 – 14 August 2026

Yayoi Kusama is a Japanese contemporary artist working across painting, sculpture, performance, and installation. Best known for her polka dots, mirrored 'Infinity Rooms,' and net motifs rooted in her lifelong hallucinations, she is one of the most successful and widely exhibited living artists in the world.

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Life events

Born in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, Japan
22 March 1929

Born into a family that ran a plant-seed nursery business.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Studied Nihonga painting in Kyoto
1948

Trained in traditional Japanese painting at the Kyoto City University of Arts.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Moved to New York City
1958

Relocated to the United States, where she became part of the avant-garde art scene.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Began the Infinity Nets and Infinity Mirror Room works
1959

Developed her signature repetitive net paintings and mirrored installations.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Staged happenings and body-painting performances
1967

Organized provocative public 'happenings' during the countercultural era in New York.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Returned to Japan
1973

Moved back to Japan and later voluntarily took up residence in a psychiatric hospital where she continues to live and work.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Represented Japan at the Venice Biennale
1993

Presented a major installation in the Japanese Pavilion, marking her international resurgence.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Opened the Yayoi Kusama Museum in Tokyo
2017

A dedicated museum showcasing her work opened in the Shinjuku district.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Died
14 August 2026
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