Yayoi Kusama's art in the context of pop art: Repetition, consumption and sexual identity

Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama is one of the most renowned living avant-garde artists. Having earned a place among today's popular artists, Kusama has externalized her mental disorders and hallucinations, which began in her childhood, through her artistic work. She has created works in various fields such as painting, sculpture, performance, literature, cinema, and fashion. Her works incorporate features of feminism, minimalism, art brut, pop art, abstraction, and expressionism, and are shaped by autobiographical, psychological, and sexual content. She has reflected popular imagery of her time in her art. This study examines Yayoi Kusama's artworks and their impact on popular art. Pop art often includes objects from daily life. The main themes of pop art—such as canned goods, comic book characters, film stars, flags, and household items—focus on any object we might consider ordinary. Pop art argues that everything in daily life can be beautiful, aesthetic, and worthy of inclusion in art. This study discusses the changes in the concept of art within the context of Kusama's approach to popular culture and draws conclusions accordingly. When evaluating Kusama's works, their reflections on popular culture were also taken into account. Kusama's contributions to the pop art movement and how she differentiated herself with her works were addressed. By examining Kusama's art within the framework of pop art, more examples of her works were accessed, offering a detailed opportunity to study the art movement. Yayoi Kusama, who clings to life through art, possesses many qualities that an artist should have: a visionary perspective, forward-thinking, sensitivity to social issues, and courage. With her bold style, she has always managed to remain popular. Despite her advanced age, she continues her artistic life with works across various disciplines.