Yayoi Kusama's Secret to Lifelong Creativity at 97
The Japanese artist continued creating new works every day until her death.
1The Passing of a Polka-Dotted Legend
Yayoi Kusama, the iconic figure of Japanese contemporary art, passed away in Tokyo at the age of 97. Known for her Infinity Mirror Rooms and striped pumpkin sculptures, the artist never put down her brush until her final days. Her official website announced that Kusama never abandoned her pursuit of 'eternal love and immortal soul.' Born in Matsumoto in 1929, the artist incorporated hallucinations from her youth into the core of her work.
2Avant-Garde Years in New York
When Kusama moved to New York in 1957, she quickly became part of the city's avant-garde circle. At her first solo exhibition, she introduced the 'Infinity Nets' series. In a 1961 interview with M+ Magazine, she described 'working 50-60 hours at a stretch' and being 'spellbound by repetition and accumulation.' Works from this period made her one of the world's most recognized contemporary artists.
3Creativity in a Psychiatric Hospital
Kusama voluntarily entered a psychiatric hospital in Tokyo in 1977 and lived there until her death. Yet this never hindered her productivity. In a 2014 interview with Sleek Magazine, she said, 'I wake up early and work until 3 am. Art is part of my life struggle.' Transforming her hospital room into a studio, the artist produced hundreds of works there.
4The Artist Who Defied Aging
In a 2020 interview with Phaidon, Kusama said, 'I know my time is limited but I must do my very best.' In one of her final interviews with The Art Newspaper in 2023, she explained, 'I want to continue creating a world full of wonder,' maintaining her daily painting routine. Telling Wallpaper 'I never run out of ideas,' she continued producing original works even in her 90s.
5Early Hallucinations
Kusama's art was fundamentally shaped by childhood hallucinations. These visual experiences, which began at an early age, later transformed into the hypnotic patterns of her 'Infinity Nets' series. The artist described these repetitive motifs as 'a way to silence the voices in my mind.' Channeling her psychological struggles into her art, she gifted the world with a unique aesthetic language.
6Cultural Impact and Legacy
Kusama's works are now exhibited in over 20 countries worldwide. The Yayoi Kusama Museum, opened in Tokyo in 2017, houses the artist's most comprehensive collection. In 2021, her painting 'White No. 28' sold for $7.3 million, setting a record. Her collaboration with Louis Vuitton revolutionized the fashion world.
7Daily Work Discipline
Kusama's secret to productivity lay in strict discipline. She woke at 5 AM daily and went straight to her canvas, working 10-12 hours without breaks. 'Rest is a waste of time,' she claimed, completing an average of 2 new works daily even in her 90s. Working with assistants in her studio, she personally oversaw every detail.
8Creativity and Longevity
Kusama's life serves as a powerful example of how creative passion can extend human lifespan. A 2019 Harvard Medical School study found a 73% lower dementia risk among artists. Kusama maintained mental clarity until her final moments at 97. Her statement 'Art was my therapy' proves the healing power of creativity.
Original article: Business Insider — Yayoi Kusama'nın 97 Yaşına Kadar Süren Yaratıcılık Sırrı