08/27/2026
We are saddened to hear of the passing of the legendary Yayoi Kusama, who died at the age of 97. What an extraordinary life she lived—devoted to art until the very end. Kusama never truly retired; according to her studio, she continued painting into her final days, never setting aside her brush.
Kusama was a true trailblazer. At a time when the international art world was overwhelmingly dominated by men, she carved out a visual language entirely her own—dots, infinity nets, pumpkins, mirrored environments, performance, sculpture, painting, fashion, and so much more. Her singular vision ultimately made her one of the most recognizable and influential artists in the world.
Her work also holds a special place in my own life. One of my most treasured possessions is my Yayoi Kusama × Louis Vuitton bag, which my loving husband Andy gave me for my birthday a few years ago. It has become my go-to bag for art fairs, openings, and countless adventures in the art world. I already cherished it, but I know I will carry it with even more affection now—a little piece of Kusama’s joyful, unmistakable universe that gets to travel with me. Love you Andy Wolff
Kusama showed generations of artists—particularly women—that it was possible to break boundaries, resist expectations, and relentlessly pursue a voice that was entirely one’s own. She continued creating for more than seven decades, right up until the end.
She will be deeply missed, but the infinite worlds she created will continue to surround, inspire, and amaze us. ❤️
Yayoi Kusama, 1929–2026.
