Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls Yayoi Kusama: Infinity in Every Dot
Aug 5, 2025
Yayoi Kusama's journey into art began with childhood hallucinations that sparked her creativity. Defying family expectations, she pursued her passion despite conflicts with her mother. After moving to America, she faced gallery rejections but eventually created iconic infinity rooms. Her political performances provided commentary on issues like the Vietnam War. After a period of struggle and mental health treatment, she rediscovered her voice and now inspires millions through her unique art that embraces difference and healing.
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Childhood Visions Sparked A Career
- As a child, Yayoi Kusama saw violets' petals morph into faces and began drawing her visions immediately.
- Those early hallucinations became the foundation for her lifelong artistic motifs of dots and repeated patterns.
Teaching Herself And Reaching Out
- Yayoi left traditional Japanese training and taught herself modern styles from magazines, even writing to Georgia O'Keeffe for guidance.
- O'Keeffe advised her to move to a big city like New York to succeed as a painter, prompting Yayoi to emigrate.
Burning Past Paintings As A New Start
- Before leaving Japan for America, Yayoi burned dozens of her paintings by the river and vowed to paint better in the U.S.
- The act symbolized a deliberate break and renewal before pursuing her art career abroad.
