Yayoi Kusama

Biography

1929　Born in Matsumoto-shi, Nagano-ken, Japan
1957　Studies at Art Student League
1958　Moves to the US. Paints in a grand format, soft sculptures and environmental installations using electricity and mirrors. During the second half of the 60s, Kusama organises body paint performances, fashion shows as well as numerous happenings against the war (most notably). She also starts to become interested in media as a means of artistic expression: production of films, a weekly publication, etc.
1963　Acquires a permanent visa to the U.S.
1967　Wins the Fourth Belgium International Short Film Prize
1968　Her film, 'Self-Obliteration,' is made and includes images of her 'naked' happenings. It is awarded at the 4th International Festival for Short-Films in Belgium. Holds various exhibitions and happenings throughout Europe.
1973　Returns to Japan. Publishes numerous novels and poem collections all in the vein of support for her artistic endeavors.
1982　Golden prize from the Italian Academy of Arts
1983　Receives the Literary Magazine Prize Yasei Jidai for her novel Christopher Homosexual Brother.
1996　Exhibits primarily in New York. Receives the International Art Critic Association prize for a solo exhibit in New York at the Paula Cooper Gallery and the Robert Miller Gallery.
2000　Receives Education Minister's Art Encouragement Prize and Foreign Minister's commendations
2001　Receives the Asahi Prize
2003　Received Ordre des Arts et des Lettres