Japan's polka dot' artist Yayoi Kusama dies at age 97

Yayoi Kusama, the acclaimed Japanese avant-garde artist, has died at the age of 97.

Kusama transformed her hallucinations since young into iconic artwork, ranging from dot-covered paintings and pumpkin sculptures to infinity mirror room installations.

Kusama, who splashed her signature polka dots on paintings, sculptures and museum installations around the world, died on August 14th at a hospital in Tokyo.

Known for sporting a scarlet bob wig later in life, Kusama was candid about her mental health struggles, saying she drew the way she saw the world, having experienced visions and hallucinations of flashing lights, dots and flowers since childhood.

Repetitive motifs were her trademark, resembling netting, swirls or worms in various shapes, but most often dots, dancing proudly on her canvases.

She was in and out of psychiatric institution for decades, although her sickness did not hold her back as she was one of the first Japanese women to go to New York to pursue her art.

Kusama left for New York in 1957 and quickly made a name for herself by exhibiting net paintings, soft sculptures, creating body paintings events and happenings to protest the Vietnam War.

She was always bold in the assertion of her dotty vision, not only in sticking to the style for decades but also in making it accessible to the masses.

Her works commanded lofty prices up to over 10 million dollars. In 2016, she also won the Order of Culture, the most prestigious award Japan gives its artists.

Upon receiving the award, she said she was more determined than ever to pursue her art. According to Yayoi Kusama Museum, she continued to paint until her final days.