How a recluse became the world’s most popular contemporary artist

Yayoi Kusama always wanted to be famous. Now the hugely in-demand but cloistered artist best known for dots and pumpkins has a major retrospective coming to Melbourne.

Yayoi Kusama. Her NGV show has been five years in preparation. Yusuke Miyazaki/Ota Fine Arts

John McDonaldFilm reviewer

Oct 11, 2024 – 5.30am

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One morning last year in New York City, a queue formed at the entrance to the David Zwirner Gallery. As the day progressed, the line grew longer and longer, until it extended around the block. The occasion was the opening of a commercial exhibition by Yayoi Kusama, and the chance to spend 30 seconds in a new Infinity Room, surrounded by mirrors.

It was the selfie-magnet of the season.