Yayoi Kusama, a seminal figure in contemporary art, has died at the age of 97. Throughout a career spanning several decades, Kusama gained global acclaim for her distinctive use of polka dots, which became a hallmark of her paintings, sculptures, and large-scale installations.

Born in Matsumoto, Japan, in 1929, Kusama moved to New York City in the late 1950s, where she became a prominent figure in the avant-garde scene. Her work often explored themes of infinity, self-obliteration, and psychological depth. In her later years, she returned to Japan, where she continued to produce prolific amounts of art, including her famous 'Infinity Mirror Rooms.'

While Sky News reports her age at death as 97, there is a notable discrepancy in public records regarding her birth year, which is widely cited by major art institutions as 1929, making her 95 at the time of this report. The artist's influence remains significant, with her exhibitions consistently drawing record-breaking attendance numbers at museums worldwide. As of this writing, official statements from her studio or family regarding the specific circumstances of her passing have not been widely circulated beyond the initial news reports.