The Serpentine and The Royal Parks will unveil a new large-scale sculpture by Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama. The stunning work, Pumpkin (2024), will be on display by the Round Pond in Kensington Gardens from July 9th to November 3rd, 2024. The sculpture, Kusama’s largest bronze pumpkin to date, stands 6 metres tall and 5.5 metres in diameter. Its exterior features Kusama’s signature repeating polka dot pattern, creating a captivating visual effect against the park’s natural backdrop.
Kusama envisions Pumpkin as a symbol of joy and resilience, qualities she deeply associates with pumpkins from her childhood. She hopes the sculpture will inspire viewers to find beauty and comfort in simple, everyday objects. This monumental work, with its vibrant and whimsical design, aims to evoke a sense of wonder and connection to the natural world. Kusama’s artwork consistently fuses elements of nature and fantasy, encouraging viewers to appreciate the delicate balance between the two.
This installation is a significant event for both Kusama and the Serpentine, marking a reunion since her first major retrospective at the Serpentine in 2000. The collaboration with The Royal Parks continues Serpentine’s tradition of integrating art into the public realm, enriching London’s cultural landscape.
