Why Yayoi Kusama’s Art Sells for $10 Million #yayoiKusama #contemporaryart

April 23, 2026

Who is Yayoi Kusama — and why do her artworks sell for $10 million or more? The Japanese artist is one of the most recognizable figures in contemporary art, famous for her infinity mirror rooms, immersive installations, and obsessive polka dots that seem to stretch endlessly into space. But Kusama’s work comes from something deeply personal. Since childhood she has described experiencing hallucinations and repeating patterns, which became the foundation of her artistic language. In the 1970s she voluntarily moved into a psychiatric hospital in Tokyo, where she still lives today. From there she walks to her nearby studio and continues producing paintings, sculptures, and installations that attract millions of visitors worldwide. Her visual language has become so iconic that luxury brand Louis Vuitton collaborated with her on global collections, turning her signature dots into one of the most successful art-fashion partnerships ever. Today, Kusama is one of the most commercially successful living artists, with major works selling for $10 million or more at auction. From hallucinations… to a global art empire.