An 'icon' of contemporary art: A look back at the career of Yayoi Kusama
Source: France 24 ↗ (cross-verified by 2 outlets — full list below)
Japan’s celebrated contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama died at the age of 97, her management company announced on Thursday, prompting an outpouring of tributes from cultural institutions and fellow artists worldwide. Known as the “polka‑dot queen,” Kusama’s prolific career spanned more than seven decades, during which she became an iconic figure in the global art scene for her immersive installations, avant‑garde paintings, and pioneering use of repetitive patterns and vivid colors.
Kusama’s death marks the end of a singular artistic journey that began in post‑war Japan and later flourished in New York’s 1960s avant‑garde circles, where she broke ground with her “Infinity Net” paintings and immersive mirror rooms. Her work, which often explored themes of mental health, obsession, and the infinite, earned her a reputation as a trailblazer who reshaped contemporary art practices and inspired generations of creators across disciplines.
The loss of Kusama reverberates through museums, galleries, and collectors who will now steward her extensive body of work, including the famed “Infinity Mirror Rooms” that continue to draw record‑breaking crowds. As institutions plan retrospectives and public commemorations, the art world anticipates renewed interest in her legacy, while her influence remains evident in the ongoing popularity of immersive, experiential exhibitions worldwide.
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