ReutersAugust 27, 2026 — 12:42pmTokyo: Japanese avant-garde artist Yayoi Kusama, 97, has died, Kyodo news agency reported on Thursday.Her studio confirmed her death in a statement posted to her website on Thursday (AEST) but noted she had died several weeks ago.“It is with profound sorrow that the passing of Yayoi Kusama at a hospital in Tokyo on August 14, 2026, at the age of 97.“Throughout an extraordinary lifetime devoted entirely to artistic creation, Kusama pursued an internationally acclaimed career as a pioneering avant-garde artist whose creative practice encompassed visual art, performance, fiction, and poetry.“She continued to paint until her final days, never setting aside her brush, and continued exploration of forever love and eternal soul.“We will carry forward Kusama’s wishes and, through art, continue to bring hope and strength for the future to people around the world.”More to comeFrom our partners