Yayoi Kusama

Reissue of the seminal 2012 book that accompanied the first major retrospective of the artist's work in Britain

Originally published to mark the first major retrospective of the artist’s work in the UK, this beautifully reissued monograph is a groundbreaking and essential overview of one of the world’s most recognisable artists.

Yayoi Kusama (1929–2026) is arguably Japan’s most famous artist. Her originality, innovation and powerful desire to communicate have propelled her through a career that spanned over seven decades. During this time, Kusama explored painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, collage, film and video, performance and installation, as well as product design.

From the late 1950s to the early 1970s Kusama lived in New York and was at the forefront of many artistic innovations in the city. Returning to Japan in her forties, she rebuilt her career, waiting years for the international recognition she has recently achieved. Working well into to her nineties, she continued to make art, extending the range of her large-scale, dazzling installations and relentlessly hand-painting extensive series of minutely detailed figurative fantasy paintings.

This beautifully illustrated book reveals a history of daring artistic advances across a remarkable career and is a true celebration of a much-loved artist.