“With just one polka dot, nothing can be achieved. In the universe, there is the sun, the moon, the earth, and hundreds of millions of stars. All of us live in the unfathomable mystery and infinitude of the universe.”
Yayoi Kusama is one of the most influential contemporary artists in the world, renowned for her immersive installations, polka dots and infinity mirror rooms. Her work spans painting, sculpture, performance and large-scale installations, often exploring themes of obsession, infinity and psychological struggle.
Kusama’s artistic journey began in Japan, but she moved to New York in the late 1950s, immersing herself in the avant-garde scene alongside artists like Andy Warhol and Claes Oldenburg. Her early works, including Infinity Net paintings and provocative performance art, challenged conventions and prefigured movements like Pop Art, Minimalism and Feminist Art.
Despite gaining recognition, Kusama voluntarily returned to Japan in the 1970s, where she has lived in a psychiatric facility while continuing to create art. Her signature motifs, polka dots, pumpkins and mirrors symbolise both personal obsession and a universal connection to the infinite. Her immersive installations, such as Infinity Mirror Rooms, have drawn millions of visitors worldwide, solidifying her status as a cultural icon.
Kusama’s influence extends beyond fine art, inspiring fashion, design and popular culture such as her recent highly successful collaboration with Louis Vuitton. She remains a pioneering figure, redefining the boundaries of art while addressing issues around identity and the power of imagination.