Little People Big Dreams, Yayoi Kusama

Little Yayoi grew up in Japan and loved creating art. Although her parents didn’t approve of her pastime, Yayoi continued to express herself through painting and drawing. One day, at around ten years old, she had an intense vision. All of a sudden, she felt as though she was in a field of talking flowers, their heads looked like little dots going on forever and ever, and she was becoming part of them . . . This vision influenced Yayoi’s art for decades to come. From drawings and paintings to sculptures and installations, she mesmerized audiences with her dot-covered creations, using her work to show others how she experienced the world.

Yayoi has been open about her mental health challenges and has helped break down inaccurate views on mental illness. In her forties, she took the decision to move into a psychiatric hospital and, from a studio nearby, she continues working – surprising and delighting audiences with each new collaboration and exhibition.

An icon who changed the world of art, Kusama’s story encourages us to follow our dreams and embrace our uniqueness.