Born 1929 in Matsumoto-shi, Nagano, Kusama started drawing and painting polka dots and net patterns from early age. After studying Nihonga Japanese painting in Kyoto Municipal School of Art and Craft, she started creating fantastical works using media such as oil paintings, watercolor and collages. She moved to the US in 1957, quickly established herself by her giant works of monochrome background covered with the nets of the same color. Frank Stella bought one. In the 60s, she led various movements and activities including body-paintings, fashion shows and happenings, many of them designed to protest the Vietnam War. Since going back to Japan in1973, she has published numerous novels and poems. Her retrospective solo exhibition was held at New York International Art Center in 1989, and she also represented Japan at Venice Biennale in 1993. From 1998 to 1999, her retrospective solo exhibition toured the Los Angeles County Museum, The Museum of Modern Art, New York and Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo. She also has been active in Europe being known as one of the most famous contemporary Japanese artists. Her fan base has widened with the 'Kusamatrix' exhibition at the Mori Art Museum in 2007 and she continues to create with renewed vigor.

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