Widely inspirational and innovative artist Yayoi Kusama has a body of work that is exceptionally varied, ranging from graphic prints and paintings to polka-dot pumpkin sculptures, hypnotic collages, large-scale installations and fashion design.
Even if you don’t know her name, you’ve likely experienced Kusama’s art — or have seen it on Instagram. Her soft sculptures and dazzling “Infinity Mirrors” are the stuff of selfie-takers’ dreams, but Kusama’s impressive decades-long career certainly holds far more cachet than it does fodder for today’s aspiring social-media influencers.
Born in Matsumoto, Japan, in 1929, Kusama has worked with her signature polka dots since the age of 10, when she began to experience vivid hallucinations and claimed that patterns and dots were moving around her, swallowing up everything in view. She started to incorporate them into her paintings as a child. Kusama saw circular forms and nets on every surface and became especially fascinated with the pebbles that lined the bottom of the creek near her childhood home. Her family was sternly opposed to her art and her mother physically abused Kusama and discouraged her at a very early age. She has suffered psychological turmoil her whole life and is vocal about her mental illness. Today, Kusama is a voluntary resident at a psychiatric facility in Tokyo, and she calls her work “art medicine.”
At the Kyoto School of Arts and Crafts, Kusama trained in Nihonga, a traditional style of Japanese painting that originated during the Meiji period. On advice she solicited from painter Georgia O'Keeffe, a pioneer of modernism in America whom she greatly admired, she subsequently moved to New York City in 1958. There, Kusama flourished, creating prescient sculptures and large-scale monochrome paintings that bridged current styles with minimalism, which hadn’t yet achieved any kind of prominence as an art movement. She pushed boundaries with her “Accumulations” series, which saw her transforming found furniture pieces into sexualized objects, as well as with an avant-garde staging of theatrical orgies on the street — both stemming from her anxieties about sex as well as an endeavor to make a feminist statement about patriarchal authority and sexism.
Kusama was captivated by Surrealists as well as the Abstract Expressionists and greatly influenced the Pop artists who followed, befriending such icons as Donald Judd — who called her work “the best paintings being done” — and Andy Warhol, with whom she exhibited and later accused of stealing her ideas. Kusama moved with ease through artistic circles and made a point to draw attention to her “otherness” as a Japanese woman by wearing kimonos to her openings.
In 2021, Kusama brought her floral and vegetal sculptures to the New York Botanical Garden and her works can be found in the collections of many of the world’s top museums, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Centre Pompidou in Paris and the National Museum of Modern Art in Tokyo. She famously collaborated with Louis Vuitton in 2012, and she created a 34-foot-tall balloon for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in Manhattan in 2019, becoming the first female artist to design a work for the event. In addition to her visual artwork, Kusama is a writer, publishing poetry, novels and an autobiography.
Find a collection of Yayoi Kusama art on 1stDibs.
Vuitton NIB Kusama Black Fuchsia Polka Dots Felicie Cross body
By Louis Vuitton, Yayoi Kusama
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The LVxYK Pochette Félicie emanates a vibrant contemporary aesthetic as part of the “Infinity Dots” theme of the new Louis Vuitton x Yayoi Kusama collection. Fine black cowhide is em...
Yayoi Kusama Pumpkin Mascot (Yellow and black pumpkin)
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in Central, HK
Yayoi Kusama Yellow Pumpkin Mascot (Yellow and black), 2019 Parachute Nylon 3 9/10 × 3 × 3 in 10 × 7.5 × 7.5 cm
Nylon, Polyester
Night Flowers (A), 2003, Screenprint by Yayoi Kusama (ABE 314)
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Yayoi Kusama Night Flowers (2003) Screenprint [23 screens, 24 colors, 24 runs] image 28 x 66.3 cm sheet 42.8 x 80 cm framed 51 x 89 x 5 cm ed. 120, AP 12, PP5 paper Kakita-shi printer Okabe Tozuko Provenance: Mainichi Auction Tokyo Japan Publications: A specimen of the same edition is represented in full page at plate 314 of the Catalogue Raisonné of Kusama's prints: "Yayoi Kusama Prints 1979...
Screen
$1,560Sale Price|65% Off
Love Forever
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in Washington , DC, DC
Very rare and never released to the public. Produced on the occasion of the opening of the GINZA SIX store location of Opening Ceremony.
Porcelain
Kusama Skateboard deck (Yayoi Kusama MoMa)
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Yayoi Kusama MoMa Skateboard Deck: This Kusama skateboard deck features Kusama's Dots Obsession imagery and makes for standout Kusama wall art that hangs with ease. Published by MoMa...
Wood, Lithograph, Offset
Yayoi Kusama -- When Life Boundlessly Flares Up to the Universe, 2014
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in BRUCE, ACT
Yayoi Kusama When Life Boundlessly Flares Up to the Universe, 2014 Print on the cotton towel Size 93 x 36.4 x 2.5 cm Framed with a wood-style aluminium frame and UV-protected acrylic...
Fabric
Yayoi Kusama, Pumpkin Cast Resin Figure in Red, 2015
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in Dubai, Dubai
Yayoi Kusama, Pumpkin Cast Resin Figure in Red, 2015 Lacquer-painted cast resin figure. Stamped with the artist’s name on the underside. Comes in the original box, never opened. ...
Resin, Lacquer, Paint
$23,000
Hat, 1982 original lithograph by Yayoi Kusama, signed and numbered by the artist
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Hat, Edition 100/100. Lithograph [5 plates, 5 colors, 5 runs], Collage. Image: 15.5 x 22.5 cm. Sheet: 27 x 33.5 cm. Framed 37 x 45 cm. Published in 1982 on on Velin d' Arches paper b...
Lithograph
Shoes (Kusama 30 Reference)
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in Bristol, GB
Screenprint A.P. Aside from the main edition of 100 53.5 × 61 cm (21 x 24 in) Signed, titled, dated and numbered on the front Condition on request Published by Ishida Ryoichi Referen...
Screen
Shoe. Bronze Sculpture by Yayoi Kusama. Limited Edition of 30 (1976/94)
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Painted bronze sculpture by Yayoi Kusama. Original mould executed in 1976; casted in 1994. This work is number 12 from a limited edition of 30. Incised with the artist's signature an...
Bronze
$41,000
High Heels Silver. Ceramic Sculptures (2) by Yayoi Kusama. Limited Edition of 30
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Ceramic sculptures by Yayoi Kusama. 2 sculptures of dimensions: 27 x 7 x 17 cm each. Executed in 2015. This work is number 3 from a limited edition of 30. Incised with the artist's ...
Ceramic
Pumpkin (White Y) (Kusama 150)
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in Bristol, GB
Screenprint Edition of 120 70.8 x 84 cm (27.9 x 33 in) Signed, titled, dated and numbered on front Artwork in excellent condition. Minor imperfections may appear due to the age of th...
Screen
$750
Yayoi Kusama - Infinity Umbrella - Brand New Limited Edition Sold out Great gift
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in New York, NY
Yayoi Kusama Infinity Umbrella, 2014 Silkscreen on 100% polyester umbrella with plastic handle 37 × 54 × 54 inches This limited edition silkscreened umbrella was created exclusively...
Plastic, Polyester, Screen
$44,000
Standing in the Visionary Field, 1979, Limited Edition by Yayoi Kusama signed
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Standing in the Visionary Field, Edition 46/100. Screenprint [13 screens, 13 colors, 13 runs]. Image: 40.8 x 52.2 cm. Sheet: 50.8x 65. Published in 1979 on Hakou-shi paper by Ishida ...
Screen
$320Sale Price|20% Off
Kusama Plush Pumpkin (Kusama yellow & black pumpkin)
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Yayoi Kusama Yellow & Black Pumpkin (plush): An iconic, vibrantly colored pop art piece - this Kusama plush pumpkin features the universal polka dot patterns and bold colors for ...
Nylon
Yayoi Kusama -- Pumpkin ( blue )
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in BRUCE, ACT
Yayoi Kusama Pumpkin ( blue) Print on cotton towel Size 92.5 x 33 x 2.5 cm Framed with the wood-style aluminium frame and the UV protect acrylic glass published by シンワ繊維株式会社 Desi...
Fabric
$1,200Sale Price|70% Off
Pumpkin (red version)
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in Washington , DC, DC
Genuine authorized multiple by Yayoi Kusama with original box
Resin, Paint
Yayoi Kusama, Pumpkin 2000 (Green) (Kusama 300)
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in Bristol, GB
Screenprint in colours, on Colorplan paper with full margins Edition 17 of 100 Signed, numbered, dated and titled on the front Pristine Published by Serpentine Gallery Catalog Raison...
Screen
Chapeau (II) (Kusama 285)
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in Bristol, GB
Screenprint in colours with lamé on BFK Rives paper Edition 49 of 60 Signed, numbered, titled and dated Pristine. Authenticated by the Kusama Studio Our mission is to connect art collectors to opportunity. Whether it be figurative, abstract or landscape, we specialise in helping you find the best prints and multiples...
Screen
Mirror Box, 2005 Limited Edition of 99 sculpture by Yayoi Kusama
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Yayoi Kusama (1929–)
Mirror Box, 2005
Medium: mirrored glass sculpture with circular openings on each face
Dimension...
Mirror
Kusama Plush Pumpkin (Kusama yellow & black pumpkin)
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Yayoi Kusama Yellow & Black Pumpkin (plush): An iconic, vibrantly colored pop art piece - this large Kusama plush pumpkin features the universal polka dot patterns and bold colors fo...
Nylon
$21,000
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Yayoi Kusama, 2012, signed and numbered
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Edition 25/111. Screenprint in color. Image: 36.5 x 29.3 cm. Sheet: 64.5×42.4 cm. Published in 2012 by Louis Vuitton France on Somerset Paper The i...
Screen
Pumpkin (YT) (1996), Screenprint Ed. 88/120 by Yayoi Kusama (ABE 228)
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Yayoi Kusama Pumpkin (YT), Edition 88/120. Screenprint [3 screens, 2 colors, 3 runs]. Edition 88/120 Image: 29.8 x 22.8 cm. Sheet: 40 x 32.5 cm. Framed: 48 x 40 x 2 cm. Published in ...
Screen
$32,000
Tulipe (I), Screenprint (lamé) Limited Edition of 60 by Yayoi Kusama (ABE 290)
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Yayoi Kusama Tulipe (I), A.P. from the Edition of 60. Screenprint [8 screens, 8 colors, 11 runs]. Lamé [3 colors] Image: 45.5 x 38 cm. Sheet: 65x 50 cm. Provenance: Ravenel Art Auct...
Screen
$51,000
Lemon Squash (1988). Screenprint Limited Edition of 50 by Yayoi Kusama (ABE 117)
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Yayoi Kusama Lemon Squash (1988). Edition 18/50 Screenprint Signed, titled in Japanese, dated and numbered in pencil by the artist. [3 screens, 2 colors, 3 runs] 84.6 x 68 cm (image...
Screen
$4,400Sale Price|20% Off
With All My Flowering Heart limited edition skateboard set
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in Washington , DC, DC
Limited edition Set of three Limited Edition silkscreens on maplewood skate deck triptych 31.00 x 8.00 x 0.25 in 78.7 x 20.3 x 0.6 cm Edition of 500 Signed on the deck with Kusama...
Wood, Maple
Infinity Nets Triptych Art Skateboard Deck Set of 3
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in Draper, UT
Yayoi Kusama X MoMA Infinity Nets (set of 3), 2018 Screenprints in colors on skate decks 32 x 8 inches (81.3 x 20.3 cm) (each) Edition of 500 Produced by the Museum of Modern Art, Ne...
Wood, Screen
$41,826
Depths of the Sea Yayoi Kusama Signed Abstract Print Japanese artists water
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in Bristol, GB
Screenprint on Izumi paper Edition 58 of 100 Signed, numbered, dated and titled on the front Artwork in excellent condition. Barely visible, lint strand on the surface, thought to be...
Screen
Yayoi Kusama 'Pumpkin' Set of Two Pop Art Resin Sculptures, 2016
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in New York, NY
The ’Pumpkin' Set of Two sculptures are polka-dotted painted lacquer resin collectible art objects by the legendary contemporary Artist, Yayoi Kusama. Published by Benesse Holdings, ...
Resin, Lacquer, Acrylic
'Pumpkin' Yellow/Black Pumpkin Pop Art Resin Sculpture, 2016
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in New York, NY
The ’Pumpkin' sculpture is a polka-dotted painted lacquer resin collectible art object by the legendary contemporary Artist, Yayoi Kusama. Published by Benesse Holdings, Inc., Naosh...
Resin, Epoxy Resin, Acrylic
'Pumpkin' White/Red Pumpkin Pop Art Resin Sculpture, 2016
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in New York, NY
The ’Pumpkin' sculpture is a polka-dotted painted lacquer resin collectible art object by the legendary contemporary Artist, Yayoi Kusama. Published by Benesse Holdings, Inc., Naosh...
Resin, Epoxy Resin, Acrylic
'Naoshima’ Resin Pop Art Pumpkin Sculpture, 2019
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in New York, NY
The ’Naoshima’ Red Pumpkin is a painted lacquer resin abstract sculpture and art object by legendary contemporary Artist, Yayoi Kusama. Published by Benesse Holdings, Inc., Naoshima,...
Resin, Epoxy Resin, Acrylic
$1,560Sale Price|71% Off
Love Forever (VIP Gold Edition)
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in Washington , DC, DC
Very rare and never released to the public. Produced on the occasion of the opening of the GINZA SIX store location of Opening Ceremony. This is the rar...
Porcelain
$63,000
Strawberry 2. Bronze Sculpture by Yayoi Kusama (1974/94) Limited Edition of 30
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Lacquered bronze sculpture by Yayoi Kusama. Original mould executed in 1974; casted in 1994. This work is number 20 from a limited edition of 30 plus 1 artist's proof. Incised with ...
Bronze
$950Sale Price|48% Off
Love Forever
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in Washington , DC, DC
Love Forever ceramic heart container by Yayoi Kusama
Ceramic
1960s Kusama exhibition poster (Yayoi Kusama Driving Image Show 1966)
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Yayoi Kusama Driving Image Show: An impossibly rare 1960s Kusama exhibition poster/brochure, published on the occasion of: Yayoi Kusama at Galleria del Naviglio Milan: Jan. 26-Feb. ...
Lithograph, Offset
$23,000
Strawberry 1. Bronze Sculpture by Yayoi Kusama (1974/93) Limited Edition of 30
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Strawberry 1 Lacquered bronze sculpture by Yayoi Kusama. Original mould executed in 1974; casted in 1993. This work is number 6 from a limited edition of 30 plus 1 artist's proof. I...
Bronze
Price Upon Request
Kusama Large Plush Pumpkin (New)
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Yayoi Kusama Yellow & Black Pumpkin (plush): An iconic, vibrantly colored pop art piece - this large Kusama plush pumpkin features the universal polka dot patterns and bold colors fo...
Nylon
Kusama Skateboard decks set of 2 (Yayoi Kusama MoMa)
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Yayoi Kusama MoMa Skateboard Decks (set of 2 works): These highly decorative Yayoi Kusama skateboard decks feature Kusama's Dots Obsession imagery and makes for standout Kusama wall ...
Wood, Lithograph, Offset
Price Upon Request
Kusama Pumpkins (large plush: set of 2 works)
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Yayoi Kusama Pumpkins (set of 2 large plush pumpkins): An iconic, vibrantly colored pop art set - these large Kusama plush (soft) pumpkins feature the univ...
Nylon, Screen