Laurence King, a leading publisher of books and gifts on the creative arts, is releasing a new book chronicling the prolific back story behind “the queen of polka dots”: Yayoi Kusama by Robert Shore. The pocket-sized biography delves into Kusama’s difficult childhood upbringing in Japan, her profound mental health struggles and otherworldly persona.

Sixteen illustrations printed across 160 pages of the hardcover book portray the legendary artist in different stages in her career. “Often hailed as the ‘the world’s favourite artist’ and ‘the queen of polka dots’, artist Yayoi Kusama’s backstory has always been veiled with mystery, whilst her iconic Infinity Rooms and enormous pumpkins sculptures have transfixed millions. Her signature bob, colourful outfits and her love of polka dots is known around the world yet how did she leave rural Japan and become the toast of both the art world and the fashion world?” described Laurence King.

Previous publications by Robert Shore include Post-Photography: The Artist with a Camera (2014) and Beg, Steal and Borrow: Artists against Originality (2017). He helmed the creative director role of the contemporary visual culture brand Elephant and was a deputy editor of Art Review magazine.

Find the Yayoi Kusama by Robert Shore book on Laurence King Publishing’s website from April 22 for £12.99 (approx. $18).