Yayoi Kusama, known for her vibrant polka dots and infinite net paintings, died at 97, leaving behind a life dedicated to her art. For Kusama, creating was not just a career but a survival tool, a method to alleviate pain, anxiety, and fear. In her own words, she fought these daily battles and found relief in her creations. Her philosophy was simple yet profound: 'I fight pain, anxiety, and fear every day, and the only method I have found that relieves my illness is to keep creating art.'

She spent decades in a Tokyo psychiatric facility, working tirelessly at a studio just across the road. Despite the challenges, Kusama maintained a lighter tone about her art, describing polka dots with gleeful love. Her legacy is one of resilience and dedication, inspiring countless creatives with her belief that art is a powerful means of expression and survival.

In a 2023 interview, she declared, 'I paint every day. I am going to continue creating a world in awe of life, embracing all the messages of love, peace and universe.' This sentiment echoes in her final quotes, where she insisted, 'I will keep on making my art until the day I die. And even after I die, my spirit will keep creating new art.' These words encapsulate her enduring spirit and the profound impact of her art on the world.

Kusama's legacy extends beyond her artworks. Her interviews reveal a multifaceted personality: from a strict, matriarchal upbringing to a refusal to be defined by gender politics. She once said, 'I am too busy with myself to worry about a man-woman problem. Since I find a refuge in my work, I cannot be bullied by men.' This attitude reflects her fierce independence and dedication to her craft.

Yayoi Kusama’s life and work remind us of the transformative power of art, a reminder that even in the darkest moments, creativity can be a beacon of hope and a means of survival.