Yayoi Kusama, the pioneering Japanese artist who rose to global fame with her sculptures and colorful installations covered in her famous polka dots, has died at the age of 97.

Kusama, who spent decades by choice living in a psychiatric hospital, was known for her dazzling red wig and her vast, distinctive, and imaginative works.

Her exhibitions around the world drew large crowds, and her works sold for some of the highest prices recorded for works by a female artist.

In a statement released by her foundation, it said: “In her extraordinary life, devoted entirely to artistic creation, Kusama charted a professional path and was admired worldwide as one of the pioneers of avant-garde art. Her creative activity spanned a wide range of visual arts, performance, fiction writing, and poetry.”

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