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Within the aggressively-male dominated artscene of 1950s New York, Japanese artist 

 through her fascination with polka dots. Undoubtedly her most iconic innovation, Kusama earned her nickname ‘Princess of Polka Dots’ through her creation of vast canvases repeatedly covered in hypnotic dots. Her early 

paintings, with their meticulously repetitive style and unpredictable manifestation, demonstrated the available diversity within contemporary abstract art.

Kusama’s work not only had a profound impact on her contemporaries, including 

, but her polka dots also served a functional role in helping her cope with her history of hallucinatory experiences. Kusama’s polka dots symbolise a grounding mechanism within the vast cosmos, transforming her frightening existential visions into peaceful meditations, and embodying her beliefs surrounding the universe and infinity. The enduring influence of her distinctive polka dot motif is showcased throughout her work, evidenced through prints such as Polka Dot 

The Symbolism of Polka Dots in Yayoi Kusama’s Art

, the legendary Japanese artist renowned for her polka dots and immersive installations, continues to mesmerise audiences worldwide. As we move through 2024, major art institutions around the globe are hosting, or preparing to host, a series of captivating exhibitions featuring Kusama's iconic creations. From her early avant-garde pieces of the 1960s, to her recent large-scale infinity rooms, each exhibition offers a profound insight into the evolution of her groundbreaking artistic journey.

Join us as we explore the must-see Kusama exhibitions of 2024, showcasing key venues and standout installations that celebrate her lasting impact on contemporary art. Whether you're a longtime admirer or discovering her work for the first time, these exhibitions provide a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the breathtaking world of one of the most influential artists of our era.

Exploring the Vibrant World of Yayoi Kusama: A Guide to Exhibitions in 2024

Yayoi Kusama Events & Exhibitions: 2024 & Beyond

 in contemporary art, has spent decades delving into the depths of self-perception. Her work, often characterised by repetitive 

, transcends the traditional boundaries of artistic expression. Kusama’s evolving approach to self-portraiture is a profound exploration of her identity, a medium through which she confronts, deconstructs, and redefines her sense of self, infinity, and self-obliteration.

 are a vivid exploration of the dissolution of identity, a theme central to her wider oeuvre. Her iconic use of polka dots is more than a visual motif, it is a symbolic representation of her desire to merge with her surroundings, to obliterate the boundaries between herself and the infinite universe. This process of self-obliteration, where the artist’s identity dissolves into a sea of repetitive patterns, originates from frightening hallucinations Kusama experienced as a child, where she recounts, “The polka dots… they started to expand in my body, covering the walls, the ceiling, and finally the whole universe.” Kusama often positions herself as both the focal point and a part of the larger, infinite spaces she creates, challenging the viewer’s perception of individuality and the self. By representing her self-identity as polka dots, Kusama simultaneously depicts her individual self, whilst also obliterating an egocentric view of her identity through her interconnectedness with the universe.

Kusama’s obsession with infinity is intricately woven into her self-portraits. Her works frequently place her image at the centre of the composition, gazing out at the viewer and surrounded by vast, seemingly endless environments of 

. By creating distinctly abstract self-portraits, Kusama becomes a part of the cosmos, her image dissolving into infinity, reflecting not only her desire to ‘unite’ with the universe, but also providing a peaceful, grounding meditation through which she can explore her identity.

Kusama’s ongoing struggles with mental health, particularly her experiences with hallucinations and obsessive thoughts, have profoundly shaped her self-representation. Kusama’s work often reflects her attempts to make sense of her inner turmoil, creating self-portraits that are not just reflections of her physical appearance, but also expressions of her fluctuating psychological state. In particular, her 

 reveals a darker, more tumultuous state of mind, the enclosing, dark web of shading and lack of human subject providing a more ominous self-representation than other pieces. These layers of complexity within her self-portraits confront the instability of her identity, creating works that are as much about self-obliteration, as they are about self-discovery.

Thematic Exploration of Kusama’s Self-Portraiture

Yayoi Kusama's Evolving Approach to Self-Portraiture: Identity, Infinity, and the Self

, a pioneering figure in contemporary art, is celebrated for her ability to challenge and transcend artistic norms. Her career, spanning over seven decades, has been marked by a relentless exploration of themes including infinity, transformation, and self-obliteration. Kusama's innovative use of installations, polka dots, and repeating motifs has not only cemented her reputation as a visionary artist, but has also allowed her to reimagine traditional genres in new ways. Kusama’s approach to the still life genre is typically unconventional. Through her depictions of 

, she offers a unique reinterpretation of these classic subjects, infusing them with her distinct blend of abstraction, surrealism, and personal symbolism.

Kusama’s Flowers Collection

Reinterpreting Still Life: Kusama’s Flowers Collection

Yayoi Kusama’s Radical Take on the Still Life Genre

 is a globally recognised artist, celebrated for her distinctive use of polka dots, repetitive patterns, and immersive 

 that captivate the senses and challenge perceptions. Her work has transcended traditional art boundaries, extending into fashion in ways that are both innovative and deeply personal. While Kusama is primarily known for her visual art, fashion plays a significant role in her creative expression, intertwining with her broader themes of 

, self-obliteration, and her exploration of identity.

have been a recurring motif throughout Kusama’s oeuvre, manifesting as sculptures, paintings and 

. These accessories are celebratory vehicles of self-expression, as well as speaking to Kusama’s entanglement with the fashion world, evidenced by her collaborations with 

are immediately recognisable by their use of repetitive motifs, particularly her iconic polka dots, which cover the surfaces of the shoes in a rhythmic and hypnotic manner. These patterns are not merely decorative, they are central to Kusama’s exploration of infinity and the dissolution of the self. The polka dots, which can be seen as a representation of infinity embodied by stars and atoms, create a sense of endless repetition, echoing the infinite nature of the universe. By covering shoes, a symbol of movement and progress, with these patterns, Kusama connects the personal journey of the individual with the larger, cosmic journey of existence. Each shoe in the collection, such as 

 (1984), is a microcosm of Kusama's artistic vision, merging the practical with the fantastical. The depiction of shoes as both art objects and functional items speaks to the fluid boundaries between the everyday and the extraordinary in Kusama’s work.

Not confining fashion just to her artwork, Kusama first collaborated with Louis Vuitton in 

, and released polka dot infused handbags that remain highly sought after by art and fashion enthusiasts alike. 2023 witnessed a second collaboration between the artist and ‘high-fashion’ label, resulting in a much larger collection, explicitly influenced by Kusama’s 

, including trainers, boots, loafers and high heels, is a perfect embodiment of Kusama’s unique style, where art meets function. The collection showcases her signature repetitive polka dots, and bold, contrasting colors that transform everyday objects into extraordinary works of art. Kusama’s shoes are more than just fashion items, they are symbols of movement, identity, and personal expression, reflecting the wearer's journey through life.

The Shoes Collection: Art Meets Function

Fashion in Focus: Yayoi Kusama's Shoes, High Heels, and Hats

’s distinctive and sensational contributions to contemporary art have established her as an internationally recognised artist. A career that began in the late 1950s, the Japanese artist refuses to be constrained to a singular movement or classification. Her immersive installations have created a new standard for interactive public art and are inspired by Kusama’s concerns of self and space, explored through themes of 

, self-obliteration and the boundless cosmic.

The immersive nature of Kusama’s most notable installations, including her iconic 

Sculptures, have garnered immense public and critical acclaim. Their promotion of active participation and transcendent immersion highlights Kusama’s vision of making art more accessible to the masses, whilst providing a uniquely meditative experience for her viewers.

Bringing Art to the Masses

Yayoi Kusama's Public Installations

 has experienced both critical acclaim and commercial success. Her avant-garde artworks have been exhibited in prestigious institutions and galleries worldwide. Best known for her repetitive motifs of 

, and psychedelic patterns, which she employs to explore themes of infinity, self-obliteration, and the interconnectedness of the universe. Her unique artistic vision and relentless exploration of these themes have earned her international recognition. If you're in the market to sell a Kusama print, here are a few things to consider.

, the legendary Japanese contemporary artist known for her distinctive polka dot patterns and mesmerising installations, has gained immense popularity in recent years. With her unique artistic vision and a vast body of work, including prints, sculptures, and paintings, Kusama's prints have become highly sought after by art enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.

Limited edition prints by Kusama typically range in price from around £5,000 for her monochromatic, abstract works like 

to £150,000 for her most iconic motifs - notably her 

 portfolio holds the record price for all her prints and editions sales, after the collection of 10 prints achieved a hammer price of £268,137 at Phillips New York in 2021. Other high-performing series by Kusama include her 

 prints, with collections commanding hammer prices of £228,512 (in 2019) and £200,520 (in 2021) at SBI Art Auction in Tokyo. As with all artists, the more iconic and significant the artwork, the higher the price tends to be. The edition size, rarity, condition, and desirability of a particular print can also significantly influence its value.

How Much Do Yayoi Kusama Prints Sell For?

Guides

A Seller's Guide to Yayoi Kusama

10 Facts

Yayoi Kusama, with her vibrant polka dots and immersive infinity rooms, has long held the world in rapt fascination. Yet, one of her most pivotal and profound series, Infinity Nets, is an understated testament to her genius. First introduced in the late 1950s, these intricate canvases juxtapose obsession with meditation, the personal with the universal. They stand not just as artworks, but as gateways into Kusama's psyche, her experiences with hallucinations, and her quest for cosmic unity. This collection tells a story of resilience, innovation, and the boundless spirit of an artist who seeks to dissolve herself into the vast expanse of the universe. This journey through the intricacies of Kusama's nets invites us to view, immerse, ponder, and lose ourselves within them.

10 Facts About Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Nets

 emerges as a distinctive and unique voice. Through her paintings, sculptures, and immersive installations, Kusama has showcased an exploration of obsession, self-representation, and the infinite. Her iconic polka dots, mirrored rooms, and expansive pumpkin motifs aren't only visually arresting—they offer insights into the mind of an artist who challenges conventions. Navigating Kusama's universe is an invitation to understand the narratives and cultural dialogues that have influenced her journey. 

I fight pain, anxiety, and fear every day, and the only method I have found that relieves my illness is to keep creating art.

The Ultimate Guide to Yayoi Kusama: A-Z Facts

's journey from a conservative upbringing to an avant-garde art icon has been nothing short of extraordinary. From her early works in postwar Japan to her iconic infinity mirror rooms and polka-dotted sculptures, Kusama's art has transcended borders and inspired countless artists around the globe. Her bold embrace of patterns, colours and repetition has transformed our understanding of space, object, and self. Yet, her influence extends far beyond these recognisable motifs. 

By exploring Kusama's enduring impact on contemporary art, we can shed light on the transformative power of her art, which inspires artists, curators and art enthusiasts on a global scale. From her groundbreaking artistic techniques to her advocacy for mental health, Kusama's influence reverberates through the artistic landscape, challenging conventional notions and shaping the evolution of art.

A print of a mosaic-like rendering of a red rose by Yayoi Kusama against a black background with a blue border.

From Japan to New York: Tracing Yayoi Kusama's Influence on the Global Art Scene

Jasper, one of our strongest cross-market specialists, brings a deep understanding of the blue chip print market, from early Lowry works to Banksy, with a particular expertise in print market dynamics. 

Jasper previously worked with leading auction houses, including Christie’s, where he cut his teeth in the Modern British Department, and honed a deep  knowledge of the market.

Now part of MyArtBroker’s specialist team, Jasper is committed to the company’s mission to disrupt traditional methods of acquiring and selling blue-chip artworks, and is particularly focused on how art is becoming an increasingly important investment vehicle.

Jasper also regularly appears in the media to share his insights on Banksy and the artist's often unpredictable antics, cementing his status as a go-to expert on the subject.

Specialist

Jasper Tordoff

, here are a pieces of advice before you start your search, to make sure you find the right piece at the right price.

A photograph of the large sculpture of artist Yayoi Kusama in Paris. The sculpture shows the artist in a red bob wig, wearing a white gown with coloured polka dots, holding up a paintbrush

A Buyer's Guide to Yayoi Kusama

If you happen to be on Bond Street, Oxford Street, or Brompton Road, chances are you'll be enveloped in the spot-studded world of 

. In 2023, Kusama returns for her second collaboration with 

. Here, we explore the new collection and how the French luxury fashion house has reinterpreted Kusama's ideas of infinity.

In January 2023, the iconic Louis Vuitton monogram received a colourful makeover from Kusama. The fashion house and artist have teamed up once again to create an eclectic, playful, and otherworldly collection. Louis Vuitton have reimagined Kusama's visual vocabulary in their garments and accessories, inviting us into the uncanny and infinite world of Kusama.

Art, Fashion, Frenzy

Creating Infinity: Yayoi Kusama & Louis Vuitton

Joe co-founded MyArtBroker with his brother Ian in 2010, bringing over 17 years of experience trading Urban & Contemporaryprints, editions, and originals on the secondary market. While Ian focuses on driving the company’s technology and growth, Joe leads the specialist side of the business, with deep expertise in Urban and Contemporary Art, particularly in the Banksy market.

Joe’s unparalleled knowledge of the Banksy market, combined with his dedication to connecting private collectors and investors, has earned him a stellar reputation. He is passionate about breaking down the traditional barriers of the art world, removing the smoke and mirrors that often cloud the established art market, and ensuring transparency and accessibility for all.

As the company’s Head of Urban and Contemporary Art, Joe plays a crucial role in ensuring that MyArtBroker continues to provide top-tier expertise and insights to collectors in the fast-evolving print market.


Co-Founder & Specialist Head

Joe Syer

Value

Yayoi Kusama's artwork commands top prices in the market, placing her in a top position among blue chip artists. Iconic motifs like her Pumpkins, Infinity Nets, and dotted patterns have solidified her status, with prices comparable to her male counterparts. Strategic collaborations, such as with fashion giant LVMH, drive demand for her work. Kusama's enduring popularity, frequent retrospectives, and ongoing partnerships have cemented her position as a highly sought-after artist, with her prints consistently maintaining high value and strong appeal to collectors. This article explores Kusama's top ten highest-valued artworks.

Yayoi Kusama Value: Top Prices Paid at Auction

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This week in the prints and editions world has seen influential collaborations, sharp commentary on the state of contemporary art, and major developments in the auction market. From 

’s latest edition to Dom Pérignon's foray into art branding with 

, the industry continues to blend art with luxury while pushing the boundaries of accessibility. Here’s a look at the most noteworthy events shaping the market from 14th to 20th October 2024:

 stirred conversation this week with her bold remarks on 

 may have passed his creative peak. Emin suggested that male artists often reach their artistic zenith in their 40s, hinting that Hirst, now in his late 50s, could be creatively plateauing. Her comment opens a broader discussion about the longevity of contemporary artists whose work initially shocked and defined a generation, but now seem to be inspired by more commercial endeavours.

 among Emin's ranks and more recently known for his 

, continues to command attention in the market, but Emin’s critique may resonate with those questioning whether his latest work holds the same cultural weight as his earlier, more provocative pieces. The exchange between these two giants of the UK art scene not only provides insight into their personal perspectives but also touches on the evolving dynamics of fame, relevance, and legacy in an ever-competitive industry.

Tracey Emin Suggests Damien Hirst May Have ‘Peaked’

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Art Market News from the Art Market People

The Week in Prints: 14th - 20th October 2024

The most anticipated event in London’s art market has arrived, with the iconic white tent settling

in Regent's Park. Frieze presents its two sections: Frieze London and Frieze Masters, drawing the usual crowd of celebrities and art enthusiasts. Coinciding with the marquee auctions at 

, Frieze 2024 marks the fair's 21st edtion.

This year’s Frieze art fair held particular significance, following 

, which received lukewarm reviews and mirrored the uneasy mood brought on by rising interest rates. More gravely, the onset of the Israeli-Gaza conflict cast a somber shadow over the usual atmosphere of excitement and anticipation. Despite these challenges, the fair went on, and this year, although geopolitical unrest and high interest rates persist, the atmosphere felt refreshingly different. Walking into this year's tent was exhilarating, a feeling echoed by the dealers we spoke with. There was an undeniable buzz in the air, in-part thanks to the fresh presentation and dynamic new layout, which energised the atmosphere. It was a powerful reminder of why Frieze plays such a significant and vital role in the art market and cultural setting. 

Collecting

Frieze Reports Strong Sales With A Revamped Design: The Prints and Editions Review 2024

Phillips was third in line for the October marquee auctions. On Thursday, 10th of October, Phillips sold 24 out of the 34 lots offered, achieving a hammer total of just over £12 million–23% below the anticipated £15 million presale estimate.

Concluding the October marquee evening sales of the big three auction houses, Phillips Modern & Contemporary Art Evening Sale achieved £12 million at the hammer. This total reflects a 16% decrease compared to last year. What contributed to this shortfall? One obvious factor is the high interest rates in the UK, leading to more selective buying. Additionally, Phillips presented 34 lots, just six fewer than last year, but the sale saw a higher number of withdrawn and unsold lots–three withdrawals (including Lot 13 pre-sale) and seven unsold, though this was fewer than at 

. While most of the withdrawn and unsold pieces were lower-valued, these works would have contributed an addition £4 million to the sale at the low estimate.

Despite these challenges, the auction achieved a 77% sell-through rate, with a refreshing selection of mostly fresh-to-market works–a balanced mix of emerging talent and established blue chip names.Slightly more than half of the lots either met or exceeded expectations, which was a positive outcome for the sale.

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