Yayoi Kusama SEA Original Silkscreen 45.0 x 52.7cm Edition Size 100 1989 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