Born in Matsumoto, Japan, Yayoi Kusama moved to New York City in the late 1950s, where she became a prominent figure in the avant-garde scene. Her early career was defined by her development of conceptual art and performance, which influenced contemporaries such as Andy Warhol and Claes Oldenburg. She eventually returned to Japan, where she has continued to produce a prolific body of work that explores themes of psychological depth and autobiographical experience.

Kusama is best known for her large-scale installations, particularly her Infinity Mirror Rooms, which utilize mirrors and light to create the illusion of infinite space. Her work frequently incorporates recurring patterns, most notably polka dots, which she applies across various media including painting, sculpture, and fashion. Her practice is deeply rooted in conceptual art, often blending elements of minimalism and pop art to create immersive environments.

Her work remains a cornerstone of contemporary art, with major institutional recognition continuing well into the 2020s. In 2026, she is the subject of a significant multi-institutional retrospective organized by the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam in collaboration with the Fondation Beyeler and Museum Ludwig. Her installations also continue to be featured in major global exhibitions, including the 2026 Pop art survey at the Guggenheim New York.