Yayoi Kusama

One of the most well-known and influential avant-garde artists of the 21st century, Japanese contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama is celebrated the world over.

From playful polka dots to her artistic reflections on natural cycles of regeneration, her work is instantly recognisable. 

In celebration of her stellar career, M+, Hong Kong has put together one of the largest artist retrospective shows to date.

Yayoi Kusama: 1945 to Now tells the story of the artist’s life and work, touching on the profound questions about existence she explores in her works.

Touching on Infinity, Accumulation, Radical Connectivity, Biocosmic, Death, and Force of Life, the artist is known for her belief in the healing power of art. 

“I create art for the healing of all mankind,” the artist, who struggles with mental health issues herself has said.

“I fight pain, anxiety, and fear every day, and the only method I have found that relieves my illness is to keep creating art. Painting helps me to keep away thoughts of death for myself. That is the power of art.”

“In recent years the world has become unpeaceful and full of turmoil,” she adds. “As an artist, I think it is important to share the love and peace and hope to deliver that to people who are suffering and do not have the opportunity to enjoy the joy of art and shall do my best to create art to leave the message of ‘love forever’ to the young generations.”

The exhibit which includes more than 200 works, including paintings, drawings, sculptures, installations, and archival material, as well as three new works, is on display at the gallery until 14 May 2023.