Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, known for polka dots, dies at 97

Japanese contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama, renowned for covering paintings, sculptures and installations worldwide with her signature polka dots, has died at 97, her studio said Thursday (27 August).

Kusama died Aug. 14 at a Tokyo hospital. The cause of death was not disclosed. Her studio said she continued painting until her final days and remained committed to exploring "forever love and eternal soul."

One of Japan's most acclaimed artists, Kusama exhibited at major institutions including New York's Museum of Modern Art and Whitney Museum of American Art, and Germany's Museum Ludwig.

Her repetitive nets, swirls and especially dots became her trademark. She said she saw the world covered in spots, which she linked to hallucinations experienced since childhood. Despite spending decades in psychiatric institutions, she moved to New York in 1957 to pursue art.

She initially struggled with poverty and obscurity but remained devoted to her distinctive style. Her work later gained international popularity, including collaborations with Louis Vuitton and licensed products.

Christie's auctioned one of her works for $5.8 million in 2008. Japan awarded her the Order of Culture in 2016.

Upon receiving the award, she told reporters she was more determined than ever to pursue her art, stressing that the sincerity and devotion she had demonstrated in her personal life were crucial parts of her artistic legacy.

"I feel there is little left in my life, but I am now still fighting to the death for my art," she said. "I am giving all I have so that many people will continue to be interested in my art, even after I am dead."

Kusama created paintings, sculptures, films and novels, including "Macaroni Girl," "The Visionary Flowers" and "Mirrored Corridor." She was also associated with Andy Warhol, Georgia O'Keeffe and Joseph Cornell.

Despite calling herself an artistic revolutionary, Kusama often spoke of her fears and vulnerability.