Calling her a “legend” and “one of the greatest artists of contemporary art,” Louis Vuitton paid tribute to Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, who died at a Tokyo hospital on Aug. 14 at age 97.
David Zwirner, who represented Kusama, cited “multiple organ failure” as the cause of death.
“She shaped her life and work with extraordinary freedom, imagination, and vision, leaving an indelible mark on the art world over the past decades,” said Pietro Beccari, chairman and chief executive officer of Louis Vuitton. “Her influence on art and culture is immeasurable.”
Kusama collaborated with the French luxury brand twice, in 2012 and again in 2013, applying her beloved dots to handbags, accessories and ready-to-wear, which has become coveted and collectible, commanding high prices on resale sights.
The artist is best known for her obsession with polka dots, which she painted since age 10 and applied to canvases, tree trunks, entire rooms and even people. She first appeared on the art scene in the ’50s, and has also done collages, soft sculptures and performance art.
Vuitton brought attention to Kusama, who worked in obscurity early in her career, by erecting giant sculptures of her – forever hoisting a paint brush – outside its Paris headquarters, or Harrods in London.
An inflatable sculpture of Yayoi Kusama at the Louis Vuitton flagship on Avenue des Champs-Élysées in Paris.
Courtesy of Louis Vuitton
According to Zwirner, Kusama “continued to paint until shortly before her passing,” and will go down in history books.
“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,” he said, referring to her “Infinity Mirror Rooms,” which became a sensation in the era of smart phones and social media.
Beccari said it was a “profound honor for everyone at Louis Vuitton to have collaborated with her,” he said. “Her boundless creativity and singular vision have always been a tremendous source of inspiration.”
On behalf of Vuitton, extented his condolences “to her family, her loved ones, and all those who had the privilege of working alongside her. Her extraordinary legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.”
Kusama’s first contact with Vuitton stretches back to 2006, when then creative director Marc Jacobs met the artist at her Tokyo studio, and she presented the American designer with a Vuitton Ellipse bag, whose monogram canvas she had painted over with dots.
He subsequently invited her to collaborate on a line of clothes and accessories in 2012, some decorated with her tentacle-like “nerves” motif.
“The Pumpkin” by artist Yayoi Kusama.
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