Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, renowned for her vibrant and imaginative creations, has passed away at the age of 97. Her company announced her death on Thursday, sparking an outpouring of tributes from fans and admirers around the world. Kusama, often called the "queen of polka dots," was known for transforming her personal experiences, including hallucinations and emotional struggles, into art featuring recurring motifs like polka dots, nets, and infinity. Her work spanned several decades, covering visual arts, performance, literature, and poetry, and she remained active in her creative pursuits until her final days. Born in 1929 into a wealthy family, Kusama began developing her signature style at a young age. In her autobiography, she described how, as a child, she saw a red flower pattern on a tablecloth and then perceived the same pattern everywhere—on walls, ceilings, and even on her own body. This early experience shaped her artistic vision, which she later called "self-destruction," a philosophy rooted in the repetition and proliferation of simple forms like polka dots and nets. Her work was both visually striking and deeply personal, often reflecting her ongoing battle with mental health. Kusama moved to the United States in the late 1950s and became a prominent figure in the New York avant-garde scene. Despite facing discrimination as a Japanese woman, she gained recognition for her bold paintings, performance art, and innovative "happenings" that combined body painting with her signature polka dots. She also launched a clothing line, founded a "Church of Self-Destruction," and declared herself the "Great Priestess of Polka Dots." In the 1970s, she returned to Japan and voluntarily lived in a psychiatric hospital in Tokyo, where she continued to create art until the end of her life. Her iconic installations, such as "Infinity Rooms" and massive pumpkin sculptures, drew millions of visitors worldwide and fetched high prices at auctions. Her influence extended beyond the art world, with figures like Apple CEO Tim Cook praising her as a "true visionary" who inspired the power of imagination. Visitors to her museum in Tokyo described her as a persevering woman who left a lasting impact on the art world. Kusama's legacy lives on through her vibrant, immersive worlds that continue to captivate and inspire people globally.