Joseph Cornell(1903-1972), who was influenced by Surrealism and continued to create his own work, was famous for not selling his art. There were many collectors who wanted Cornell’s work. Many galleries visited Cornell for his work, however, they were never able to get them from him.
Cornell worked as a textile salesman during the day and produced his work late at night in his basement studio.
Cornell, who was financially independent without having to sell his work and who did not want to pass on his beloved artwork to others, lived with his mother and a disabled brother.

In 1962, Yayoi Kusama (1929~) visited Cornell, accompanied by a woman from the gallery who wanted to acquire his work. Kusama is dressed in a kimono and Cornell takes an instant liking to her, and the two begin to interact.
Cornell is lonely and shy, but at the same time romantic and unusually affectionate towards Kusama. He calls her for hours a day and sends her so many letters every day that Kusama’s mailbox is soon full.

Although Kusama was sometimes confused by Cornell, she had respect for the true artist, and their souls became deeply connected.

The episode with Cornell is described in detail in the novel You are lost in swamp (1992), which Kusama later wrote. Although the names of the two protagonists are different due to the novel’s format, the story is clearly an interesting account of Kusama and Cornell’s relationship at the time.

When Cornell died in 1972, Kusama, who was mentally unstable due to her great grief, returned to Japan the following year. Kusama’s work at this time consisted mainly of collages, using newspaper clippings and other materials given to her by Cornell.