Who is Yayoi Kusama? A Leading Contemporary Japanese Artist
When listing Japanese artists who have made a global impact, even those who are not particularly familiar with contemporary or avant-garde art will likely mention Yayoi Kusama (1929–). Her signature bright red bob hairstyle and vividly colored outfits are instantly recognizable, but what truly leaves an unforgettable impression is her artwork—especially her iconic pumpkins covered in polka dots. Her influence extends beyond the art world; in 2012 and again in 2023, she collaborated with the luxury fashion brand Louis Vuitton, further solidifying her reputation as one of the most influential artists in the world today.
In this article, we will explore Kusama's life, her most famous works, and her own words, along with museums in Japan where you can experience her art.
The Life of Yayoi Kusama
Let’s take a look at the journey Kusama has taken, based on her autobiography, "Infinity Net: The Autobiography of Yayoi Kusama" (Shinchosha, 2002). Yayoi Kusama was born on March 22, 1929, in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture. She came from a distinguished family that, according to her, had "been running a seed and plant nursery business on vast lands for about a hundred years."
Yayoi Kusama's Early Life: Hallucinations, Auditory Experiences, and Her Days in America
A defining experience in Kusama's childhood was her encounters with hallucinations and auditory phenomena. Around the time she entered high school, she began frequently experiencing "hallucinations where she saw auras around objects and heard plants and animals speaking." In her autobiography, she recalls a particularly striking experience of suddenly hearing plants talk to her:
"As a child, I would often bring my sketchbook to the nursery fields where I played. There was a vast field of violets, and I would sit there, lost in thought. Then, suddenly, each violet, with its own unique human-like face, started speaking to me. Their voices multiplied, growing louder and louder until my ears ached.
I had always believed that only humans could speak, so I was shocked when these violets began communicating with me. At that moment, their petals appeared like human faces, all turned toward me. I was so terrified that my legs trembled uncontrollably."(Yayoi Kusama, "Infinity Net: The Autobiography of Yayoi Kusama," Shinchosha, 2002)
But this was only the beginning. Kusama also experienced bizarre phenomena such as her family dog barking at her in human language and her own voice merging into the dog's. She also recalled seeing mysterious lights and various figures appearing along the mountain ridges while walking along a dark path. She wrote in her autobiography that sketching these hallucinations in her notebook helped her cope with the fear and surprise, stating that "this was the origin of my art."
In 1948, after World War II, Kusama transferred to Kyoto City University of Arts. However, feeling suffocated by her life in Japan, she began aspiring to go to America. In 1957, she finally moved there and started her artistic career in New York. Her work expanded beyond painting to include soft sculptures and even performance art, such as body painting. During this time, Kusama held a solo exhibition at a gallery in New York, where none other than Andy Warhol himself came to see her work.
In 1975, she ultimately returned to Japan, where she has remained ever since.
Yayoi Kusama's Iconic Works: The Pumpkin Motif
Kusama's signature motif, the pumpkin, is one of the most recognizable elements of her art. From paintings to sculptures covered in polka dots, these pumpkins are what many people immediately associate with her name. She has referred to pumpkins as her "life companion" and once stated, "As long as my love for pumpkins continues, I will keep painting them."
According to her autobiography, Kusama's first encounter with pumpkins dates back to her elementary school years. She recalled picking a "human-head-sized pumpkin" at a nursery field and being captivated by "its delightful texture." During her time at Kyoto City University of Arts, she was already painting pumpkins. She has described their appeal as stemming from their "generous, unpretentious appearance" and their "robust, powerful spirit," which inspired her artistically.
Yayoi Kusama's Words on the Value of Art and Artists
In addition to her visual artworks, Yayoi Kusama has demonstrated exceptional talent in literature, publishing novels and poetry collections. Here, we introduce some of her words from "Polka Dot Résumé," a book based on interviews with Kusama.
One of her notable statements reflects her thoughts on her legacy as an artist. Having lived her life on her own terms, Kusama expressed her wishes for how she wants her art to be remembered after her passing:
"Even after my death, I wish for my art to shine eternally. I deeply hope to be an artist whose name remains in bold letters in the history of art—not just in Japan but in the history of world art—so that as many people as possible can see my work. To achieve this, there are still countless things I must do. Thinking about that, I cannot afford to waste even a moment, and I devote all my time to creation.
A human body, as dictated by nature, will one day perish. However, the many works I have created will remain as messages to people across the world. They will take on a life of their own and begin to walk independently. That is where the true challenge for an artist begins. It is at that point that an artist's true worth is determined." (Yayoi Kusama, Polka Dot Résumé, Shueisha, 2013).
Her words convey her unwavering determination to leave her mark in history and dedicate her life to artistic creation. (Incidentally, the interview from which this quote originates was conducted over a decade ago.) At the same time, Kusama has stated that she does not consider artists to be special beings within society. In Polka Dot Résumé, she offers the following words of encouragement, particularly directed at young people:
"No matter what job one holds, if a person can take even one step closer to the brilliance of their own life—today, tomorrow, and the day after—then even in a society filled with vanity and foolishness, that step will serve as proof of having lived as a human being.[...]
Once you've decided on your path, pursue it single-mindedly. Even when faced with difficulties, do not give up halfway or be discouraged by opposition from others. I hold this hope for young people as well." (Yayoi Kusama, Polka Dot Résumé, Shueisha, 2013).
These words, spoken by an artist who has continuously challenged the world with unwavering resolve, carry deep meaning. Kusama’s message to all of us living in the present offers courage and hope as we move forward into tomorrow and the future.
Places in Japan to Experience Yayoi Kusama's Art
We have explored the life of Yayoi Kusama, a globally renowned artist, through her works and words. To conclude, here are some locations in Japan where you can experience her art. Whether you are a fan of contemporary art or someone newly interested in Kusama’s works after reading this article, consider visiting these spots as part of your future travels.
Towada Art Center (Aomori)
Across from Towada Art Center, an open-air art plaza showcases various public artworks, including Yayoi Kusama’s Love Forever Singing in Towada. This installation, known as Hanako of Towada, features a girl surrounded by elements characteristic of Kusama’s work—pumpkins, mushrooms, and dogs. The piece embodies Kusama’s free and pure spirit, making it a must-see for fans of her art.
Naoshima (Kagawa)
At Miyanoura Port, the gateway to Naoshima, Kusama’s Red Pumpkin stands as an outdoor installation, allowing visitors to enter its interior. In the museum district—home to Tadao Ando-designed institutions like Chichu Art Museum and Lee Ufan Museum—her famous Yellow Pumpkin, adorned with polka dots, sits on a pier jutting into the sea. Originally installed in 1994, this iconic sculpture was damaged by a typhoon in 2021 but was restored the following year.
Matsumoto City Museum of Art (Nagano)
Located in Kusama’s hometown of Matsumoto, the Matsumoto City Museum of Art hosts a year-round special exhibition titled "Yayoi Kusama: The Place for My Soul." This exhibition traces her artistic journey, from early works to her most iconic series. Visiting this museum allows fans to experience both Kusama’s art and the atmosphere of the place where she grew up.
Yayoi Kusama Museum (Tokyo)
Opened in 2017 in Shinjuku, Tokyo, the Yayoi Kusama Museum was founded by the artist herself. It offers a rare opportunity to view her collections through biannual exhibitions. The museum also hosts occasional events such as children’s workshops and artist talks, making it a unique space for deepening one's appreciation of Kusama’s work.
< References>
"Infinity Net: The Autobiography of Yayoi Kusama (Shinchosha)
"The Polka Dot Biography (Shueisha)
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