Why Collect Yayoi Kusama?
Collectors should seriously consider Yayoi Kusama not only for her instantly recognizable aesthetic and philosophical depth, but also for her unmatched longevity and robust auction history. Over a career spanning more than 70 years, Kusama has evolved from a provocative avant-garde figure in 1960s New York to one of the most celebrated and commercially successful artists in the world today. Her work spans painting, sculpture, performance, and immersive installations, with major institutions like MoMA, the Tate, and the Hirshhorn holding her pieces in their permanent collections.
Kusama's market performance is equally compelling. She consistently ranks among the top-selling female artists at auction. In 2022, her painting Untitled (Nets) sold at Phillips for over $10.5 million, setting a new auction record for the artist. Another notable sale was Pumpkin (1990), which fetched $7.4 million at Sotheby’s Hong Kong in 2021. Her Infinity Net paintings and large-scale pumpkin sculptures are particularly sought after, often exceeding their high estimates. Demand remains high across continents, with strong sales in New York, London, and especially Asia, where she commands a massive following.
This blend of critical acclaim, cultural ubiquity, and consistent financial performance makes Kusama a rare figure in the art world—an artist whose works are both emotionally resonant and smart long-term acquisitions. For collectors looking to add blue-chip, globally recognized contemporary art to their collections, Kusama is a uniquely compelling choice.
