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.
Pumpkin sculpture with holes By Yayoi Kusama
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in Dubai, Dubai
Pumpkin sculpture with holes By Yayoi Kusama Yayoi Kusama is a Japanese contemporary artist known for her avant-garde and immersive installations, often featuring polka dots and mi...
Metal
$1,000
Yayoi Kusama Art Production Fund Limited Edition Beach Towel (NEW in shrinkwrap)
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
$2,350
Love Forever Porcelain Bowl VIP Gold Edition Limited Edition for Ginza 6 opening
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in New York, NY
Yayoi Kusama Love Forever Ceramic Bowl (VIP Gold Edition), 2017 Limited Edition Porcelain Bowl Signature, titled and date fired into bowl on the underside 4.5 x 4.5 x 1 inch Limited...
Ceramic, Porcelain, Mixed Media, 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
$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
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
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
Yayoi Kusama -- Pumpkin ( yellow )
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in BRUCE, ACT
Yayoi Kusama Pumpkin ( yellow ) Print on cotton towel Size 92.5 x 33 x 2.5 cm Framed with the black aluminum frame and the UV protect acrylic glass published by シンワ繊維株式会社
Fabric
Yayoi Kusama -- Pumpkin ( red )
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in BRUCE, ACT
Yayoi Kusama Pumpkin ( red ) Print on the cotton towel Size 34.2 x 91.2 x 2.5 cm Framed with the purple golden aluminium frame and the UV-protected acrylic glass published by シンワ繊...
Fabric
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 the white aluminium frame and UV-protected acrylic gl...
Fabric
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 the black aluminum frame and the UV-protected acrylic...
Fabric
$3,500
H 41 in W 41 in D 2 in
Simply Queen B - Original Mixed Media Artwork, Pop Art, 21st Century FRAMED
By Mauro Oliveira
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
**NEW YEAR FINAL 90 DAYS SUPER SALE UNTIL MARCH 31ST** **STORE CLOSURE - UP TO 80% OFF - TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT** **EVERYTHING MUST GO UNTIL APRIL1ST!** >>The artist is moving to a new full time venture in 2026<< _______________________________________________________ This is the ultimate homage to QUEEN BE...
Metal
$425
H 11 in W 5 in
Andy Warhol Marilyn Be@rbrick 400% and 100% (Warhol Bearbrick new)
By Andy Warhol
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Bearbrick x Andy Warhol Foundation "Marilyn" 400% Vinyl Figure (set of two: 400% + 100%): 2021 Andy Warhol Marilyn Bearbrick figure trademarked & licensed by the Estate of Andy Warho...
Resin, Vinyl
KAWS Bus Stop 2002
By KAWS
Located in NEW YORK, NY
KAWS 'Bus Stop' 2002: Paying homage to KAWS’ early days as graffiti artist, the “Bus Stop” features a plastic bus stop and two KAWS toys on the platform. Features iconic KAWS heads, ...
Resin, Vinyl
Dance '72
By Sam Gilliam
Located in New York, NY
Color screenprint, 1972. Signed by the artist and dated in pencil, lower right margin. Numbered 24/60 in pencil lower left,. Printed and published by Workshop, Inc., Washington, DC...
Screen
Medicom Toy x BE@RBRICK x Haring 400% art toy
By Keith Haring
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Keith Haring Bearbrick Vinyl Figures: Set of two (400% & 100%): A unique, timeless collectible trademarked & licensed by the Estate of Keith Haring. The partnered collectible reveals...
Resin, Vinyl
$1,375
H 5.5 in W 7 in D 5.5 in
KAWS Taipei Holiday Taipei & Japan set of 2 (KAWS Brown Companion)
By KAWS
Located in NEW YORK, NY
KAWS Brown Holiday Companion: 2 works (KAWS Taipei & KAWS Japan): A set of two KAWS Holiday figures featuring, KAWS' signature character, COMPANION in relaxed positions. Each work was respectively published to commemorate the debut of KAWS’ larger sculptures...
Resin, Vinyl
KAWS HOLIDAY UK set of 3 works (KAWS United Kingdom)
By KAWS
Located in NEW YORK, NY
KAWS: HOLIDAY United Kingdom: Complete Set of 3 works (KAWS UK): KAWS' signature character COMPANION presented in an upright standing position with its eyes covered. 3 individual works (black, brown, & grey), each new in their original packaging - published by All Rights Reserved to commemorate the debut of KAWS’ sculptural hot-air balloon — one of the world’s largest at 42 meters tall, flying over the English country-side of Bristol. Each figure comes individually housed in a standout KAWS designed hard case Medium: Set of 3 Painted cast resin vinyl figures. Dimensions: 12 inches in height (applies to each individual piece). New, unopened; excellent condition. Stamped on the underside from a sold out edition of unknown. Includes artist card as pictured. A great wall or shelf set that would look fantastic displayed either in or out of the case. KAWS UK Holiday (further background): The sculptural hot-air balloon KAWS: HOLIDAY UK — one of the world’s largest at 42 meters tall — reimagines the artist’s signature work, COMPANION, in larger-than-life proportions. KAWS first set flight to his unique flying creation in Bristol, allowing his Holiday Companion to soar miles above breathtaking greenery, dominating the British skies in its debut. KAWS 'Holiday' first debuted at Seokchon Lake in Seoul in 2018 and these large inflatable real life works have since been exhibited in Hong Kong, Taipei, and Virginia...
Resin, Vinyl
KAWS HOLIDAY Japan (KAWS brown companion)
By KAWS
Located in NEW YORK, NY
KAWS Brown Holiday Companion (KAWS Mount Fuji Japan): This sold out figurine features KAWS' signature character COMPANION in a resting position. This figur...
Resin, Vinyl
KAWS Japan Holiday Companion (KAWS brown Mount Fuji companion)
By KAWS
Located in NEW YORK, NY
KAWS Brown Holiday Companion (KAWS Mount Fuji Japan): This sold out figurine features KAWS' signature character COMPANION in a resting position. This figurine was published by All R...
Resin, Vinyl
KAWS Along The Way Brown (KAWS brown Along The Way companion)
By KAWS
Located in NEW YORK, NY
KAWS Brown Along The Way Companion. New and unopened in its original box. The KAWS Along The Way figurine is a rendition of the artist's 2013 eighteen-foot wood sculpture originally ...
Resin, Vinyl
KAWS CLEAN SLATE set of 2 works (KAWS clean slate black & grey)
By KAWS
Located in NEW YORK, NY
KAWS Clean Slate Set of 2 (Black & Grey), new & unopened in their original packaging. A well-received work and variation of KAWS' large scale...
Resin, Vinyl
Andy Warhol The Souper Dress (Andy Warhol Campbells)
By Andy Warhol
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Andy Warhol The Souper Dress c. 1965-1967: Inspired by Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans, this dress was sold by the Campbell’s Soup Company in the late 19...
Lithograph, Paper, Screen
Sold
H 3.75 in W 2.96 in D 2.96 in
YAYOI KUSAMA - Pumpkin (Yellow). Conceptualism, Contemporary, Modern art, Dots
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in Madrid, Madrid
PUMPKIN (YELLOW) Date of creation: 2016 Medium: Resin sculpture Edition: Open Size: 9,5 x 7,5 cm Observations: Sculpture created with high quality resin stamped on its base with Yayo...
Resin
Sold
H 3.75 in W 2.96 in D 2.96 in
YAYOI KUSAMA - Pumpkin (Yellow). Conceptualism, Contemporary, Modern art, Dots
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in Madrid, Madrid
PUMPKIN (YELLOW) Date of creation: 2016 Medium: Resin sculpture Edition: Open Size: 9,5 x 7,5 cm Observations: Sculpture created with high quality resin stamped on its base with Yayo...
Resin
Yayoi Kusama - 'RED FLOWER' Ceramic Plate
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in BRUCE, ACT
Yayoi Kusama (Japanese, b. 1939) glazed ceramic plate. Titled 'Red Flower'. Signed and dated 2002. Marked and numbered 209/300 to verso. Measures 22.7 cm diameter.
Ceramic
Yayoi Kusama -- Pumpkin ( yellow )
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in BRUCE, ACT
Yayoi Kusama Pumpkin ( yellow ) Print on cotton towel Size 92.5 x 33 x 2.5 cm Framed with the black aluminum frame and the UV protect acrylic glass published by シンワ繊維株式会社
Fabric
Sold
H 3.75 in W 2.96 in D 2.96 in
YAYOI KUSAMA - Pumpkin (Yellow). Conceptualism, Contemporary, Modern art, Dots
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in Madrid, Madrid
PUMPKIN (YELLOW) Date of creation: 2016 Medium: Resin sculpture Edition: Open Size: 9,5 x 7,5 cm Observations: Sculpture created with high quality resin stamped on its base with Yayo...
Resin
Sold
H 3.75 in W 2.96 in D 2.96 in
YAYOI KUSAMA - Pumpkin (Yellow). Conceptualism, Contemporary, Modern art, Dots
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in Madrid, Madrid
PUMPKIN (YELLOW) Date of creation: 2016 Medium: Resin sculpture Edition: Open Size: 9,5 x 7,5 cm Observations: Sculpture created with high quality resin stamped on its base with Yayo...
Resin
Yayoi Kusama -- Pumpkin ( yellow )
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in BRUCE, ACT
Yayoi Kusama Pumpkin ( yellow ) Print on cotton towel Size 92.5 x 33 x 2.5 cm Framed with the black aluminum frame and the UV protect acrylic glass published by シンワ繊維株式会社
Fabric
Sold
H 3.75 in W 2.96 in D 2.96 in
YAYOI KUSAMA - Pumpkin (Yellow). Conceptualism, Contemporary, Modern art, Dots
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in Madrid, Madrid
PUMPKIN (YELLOW) Date of creation: 2016 Medium: Resin sculpture Edition: Open Size: 9,5 x 7,5 cm Observations: Sculpture created with high quality resin stamped on its base with Yayo...
Resin
Sold
H 3.75 in W 2.96 in D 2.96 in
YAYOI KUSAMA - Pumpkin (Yellow). Conceptualism, Contemporary, Modern art, Dots
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in Madrid, Madrid
PUMPKIN (YELLOW) Date of creation: 2016 Medium: Resin sculpture Edition: Open Size: 9,5 x 7,5 cm Observations: Sculpture created with high quality resin stamped on its base with Yayo...
Resin
Sold
H 3.75 in W 2.96 in D 2.96 in
YAYOI KUSAMA - Pumpkin (Yellow). Conceptualism, Contemporary, Modern art, Dots
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in Madrid, Madrid
PUMPKIN (YELLOW) Date of creation: 2016 Medium: Resin sculpture Edition: Open Size: 9,5 x 7,5 cm Observations: Sculpture created with high quality resin stamped on its base with Yayo...
Resin
Sold
H 4.13 in W 3.35 in D 3.35 in
Red/White & Yellow/Black Pumpkins (two sculptures)
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Yayoi Kusama (1929) Title: Red/White & Yellow/Black Pumpkins (two sculptures) Year: circa 2020 Medium: Painted Cast Resin Sculptures Size: 4.13 x 3.35 x 3.35 inches Condition...
Epoxy Resin
Yayoi Kusama -- Pumpkin ( yellow )
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in BRUCE, ACT
Yayoi Kusama Pumpkin ( yellow ) Print on cotton towel Size 92.5 x 33 x 2.5 cm Framed with the black aluminum frame and the UV protect acrylic glass published by シンワ繊維株式会社
Fabric