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.
Yayoi Kusama -- Christmas
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in BRUCE, ACT
Yayoi Kusama Christmas, 2001 Ceramic Size 23 x 23 x 2 cm Signed and dated "Yayoi Kusama 2001" on the face Numbered 293/500 Includes the original stand and box Created to commemorate...
Ceramic
$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
'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
Red and Yellow Pumpkins (set of two)
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in Milano, MI
Yayoi Kusama dazzles audiences worldwide with her immersive “Infinity Mirror Rooms” and an aesthetic that embraces light, polka dots, and pumpkins. The avant-garde artist first rose ...
Resin
$1,500
Yayoi Kusama Art Production Fund Limited Edition Beach Towel/Wall Hanging (NEW)
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in New York, NY
Art Production Fund Limited Edition Beach Towel (NEW in shrinkwrap), 2014 Digital print on brushed cotton beach towel 70 × 60 inches Edition of 1000 Fabric manufacturer's label to ed...
Textile, Digital
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
Vase (2) Lithograph Print, Contemporary, Signed, Edition 14 of 50
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in Bristol, GB
Lithograph Edition 14 of 50 44.6 x 31.7 cm (17.5 x 12.4 in) Signed, numbered, dated and titled on the front Artwork in excellent condition. Minor imperfections may appear due to the ...
Lithograph
$28,000
Madder-colored Cloud, 1997, Hand signed screenprint by Yayoi Kusama (ed. 100)
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Yayoi Kusama
(1929)
MADDER-COLORED CLOUD (1997) EDITION 89/100
Category
Paper, Screen
$28,000
Wave Crest (1999). Screenprint. Limited Edition of 60 by Yayoi Kusama (ABE 251)
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Yayoi Kusama Wave Crest (1999). Edition 15/60 Screenprint [3 screens, 2 colors, 3 runs] 59.7 x 47.8 cm (image) 76x 56.5cm (sheet) Edition of 60 + 6 Artist Proofs + 5 Printer Proof...
Lithograph
Pumpkins, Yellow/Black, Red/White (Two Sculptures), Yayoi Kusama 草間 彌生
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Yayoi Kusama (1929) Title: Pumpkins, Yellow/Black, Red/White (Two Sculptures) Year: 2016 Medium: Painted cast resin sculptures Sculpture Size: 4 × 3.5 x 3.5 inches, each Insc...
Epoxy Resin
Yayoi Kusama Skateboard Deck, Maple Wood, MoMa Edition, 2018
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in Brooklyn, 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
$880
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
Red Pumpkin (Dot Obsession Red) - Original sculpture with original case
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in Paris, IDF
Yayoi Kusama Pumpkin red (Dots Obsession Red) A pumpkin sculpture made of resin Signed under the base of the sculpture Diameter: 8 cm Height: 10.5 cm Presented in the original edito...
Resin
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...
Louis Vuitton x Yayoi Kusuma Blue Monogram Sun Graphic Cardigan
By Louis Vuitton, Yayoi Kusama
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Louis Vuitton x Yayoi Kusama Blue Monogram Sun Graphic Cardigan is a striking fusion of high fashion and contemporary art, showcasing a vibrant and playful design that is perfect for...
Yayoi Kusama Love Forever Ceramic Bowl & Cover
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in New York, NY
Yayoi Kusama Love Forever, 2016 Ceramic (Porcelain) Dish and Cover Stamped Yayoi Kusama on bottom 4 1/2 × 4 1/2 × 1 1/2 inches Unframed Limited edition (exact number created is unkno...
Ceramic, Porcelain, 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
$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
$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
$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
Chapeau II Screenprint on BFK Rives Paper, Signed, Edition 49/60
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
Talks About Love : Original etching with stencil - Watermark signature
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in Paris, IDF
Yayoi Kusama Talks About Love, 2011 Original etching with stencil Yayoi Kusama signature as a watermark in the paper On handmade paper 47 x 56 cm (c. 19 x 22 in) PROVENANCE : Uniqu...
Etching, Stencil
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
Yayoi Kusama, Pumpkin Cast Resin Figure - Red, 2019
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in Dubai, Dubai
Yayoi Kusama, Pumpkin Cast Resin Figure - Red, 2019 3.5 H x 5.5 W x 5.5 D inches Lacquer-painted cast resin figure. Stamped with the artist’s name on the underside. Sold in the o...
Resin, Lacquer, Paint
Louis Vuitton 2012 Mini Jupe FR36 LV Kusama Polka Dot Silk mini skirt UK8 US6
By Yayoi Kusama, Louis Vuitton
Located in PARIS, FR
Louis Vuitton skirt in (1st) collaboration with the artist Yayoi Kusama capsule collection 2012, mini in red silk twill with white polka dots, black grosgrain belt with large pleats,...
Pumpkins, Yellow/Black, Red/White (Two Sculptures), Yayoi Kusama 草間 彌生
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Yayoi Kusama (1929) Title: Pumpkins, Yellow/Black, Red/White (Two Sculptures) Year: 2016 Medium: Painted cast resin sculptures Sculpture Size: 4 × 3.5 x 3.5 inches, each Insc...
Epoxy Resin
Pumpkins, Yellow/Black, Red/White (Two Sculptures), Yayoi Kusama 草間 彌生
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Yayoi Kusama (1929) Title: Pumpkins, Yellow/Black, Red/White (Two Sculptures) Year: 2016 Medium: Painted cast resin sculptures Sculpture Size: 4 × 3.5 x 3.5 inches, each Insc...
Epoxy Resin
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
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
Once built for curbs and handrails, these boards now hang beside blue-chip works in major museums and collectors’ homes.
In Repetition GL.A, polka-dotted protuberances rise from a surface of rippling net. Here’s what makes the piece so rare.