Where you can see late artist Yayoi Kusama’s work in NYC
Yayoi Kusama creating the My Eternal Soul series in her studio.© YAYOI KUSAMA. Courtesy David Zwirner, Ota Fine Arts
Yayoi Kusama, the iconic Japanese artist known for her distinctive polka dot style, pumpkin sculptures, and infinity mirror rooms, died on August 14 at the age of 97. Born in Matsumoto, Japan in 1929, Kusama lived in New York City from the late 1950s through 1975, where she established herself as an avant-garde artist through “groundbreaking performances, happenings, events, and exhibitions,” according to David Zwirner, who represented her since 2013. While her work has been recognized for decades globally, Kusama’s legacy in New York City will be especially remembered, from her early “Infinity Room” series to more recent exhibitions at the New York Botanical Garden and mosaics at Grand Central.
It was in New York where Kusama introduced “Infinity Nets,” a series of paintings that were a precursor to “Infinity Mirror Rooms,” the installations that used mirrors to transform works to create the illusion of “infinite space,” as 6sqft previously noted.
Starting in 1965, Kusama went on to create 20 versions of the artwork for pop-up installations and museums. The installations became hugely popular, with waitlists and long lines, as visitors wanted to share selfies of their experience on social media.
Kusama had been represented by David Zwirner since 2013. The gallery presented six solo exhibitions of her work during that time, each of which broke attendance records, according to Zwirner. “At the time of her passing, Kusama was, without a doubt, the most famous living artist in the world,” Zwirner said in a statement.
“Kusama’s art influenced the histories of minimalism, pop art, and performance art; more recently, her large-scale installations single-handedly pioneered what is now referred to as experiential art.”
Today, Kusama’s work can still be found in New York City.
At the Guggenheim New York, an Infinity Mirror Room by Kusama is included in the exhibition “Guggenheim Pop: 1960 to Now,” which explores the museum’s history with pop art. On view through January 10, 2027, the show presents work from the museum’s collection by more than 20 artists.
Another work by Kusama is on display at the new Grand Central Madison Terminal. Installed by the MTA in 2022, the floor-to-ceiling glass mosaics are an extension of the artist’s “My Eternal Soul” series.
Titled “A Message of Love Directly from My Heart unto the Universe,” the vibrant mosaic features a variety of motifs for visitors to discover as they pass through the new Madison Concourse. You can find it at the north end of the concourse, between 46th and 47th Streets.
Kusama described the artwork as a gift to New York City. In an accompanying poem, the artist wrote:
This is Yayoi Kusama.
I offer you a message of love, directly from my heart unto the universe.
May you all experience the true beauty of loving humanity.
Human life is beautiful.
My wish is to deliver this vision, with all that is my life, to the people of New York.
“Yayoi Kusama leaves behind an extraordinary artistic legacy, and we are honored her work will remain part of the fabric of New York City through Grand Central Madison,” Tina Vaz, director of MTA Arts and Design, said.
“Her vision for this project transformed a public passageway to bring love, meaning and connection to every person who walks through the station. Her artistic expression and spirit will continue to be experienced by generations of New Yorkers to come.”
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