Lines are forming in front of a Chelsea gallery to see columns that swirl and glow, and abstract, colorful paintings.

They're the work of Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, who has a retrospective at the David Zwirner gallery.

Kusama is 84 and she said even though she's had a tough life since childhood, she's still working, often until 3 a.m. During the press opening of the show, she spoke through a translator.

"Life is at stake, and I don't take any rest. In New York and also in Tokyo, I've had different times when I had to put myself to mental institutions, I've had suicide attempts in New York, I've gone through these periods, but I have recovered," she said.

The show has 27 paintings,  two installation pieces and one video work.