Yayoi Kusama Dazzling Pumpkin 2016

FRP (Fiber-Reinforced Plastic) & Tile 146.1 × 142.2 × 134.6 cm

Starry Pumpkin, 2016 is a three-dimensional work that develops Yayoi Kusama's signature pumpkin motif in a more "cosmic" and "sparkling" direction.

For Kusama, pumpkins are not just cute shapes; they have been a special presence and a source of emotional solace since childhood. Kusama's pumpkins are rooted in her childhood memories and are perceived as humble and humorous beings for her, often appearing as self-portraits. In other words, it is easier to understand this work's pumpkin not as a still life, but as a "vessel" that encapsulates Kusama's own emotions and presence.

The "Starry" in the title of this work emphasizes the impression of "shimmering like stars" and "reminiscent of the cosmos." While repetitive dots and patterns are important in Kusama's work, if we consider that Kusama envisioned an "infinite universe" through her repeated small brushstrokes and dots, Starry Pumpkin is a work that superimposes a cosmic sense of infinity onto the intimate and organic form of a pumpkin.

The fascination of "tiles" instead of polka dots

The fact that the material of this work is tile is very important. While many of Kusama's representative works feature black polka-dotted pumpkins, in Starry Pumpkin, the surface reflects light more intensely, creating a sensation as if particles are gathering to form an image. In other words, rather than polka dots being directly depicted, they appear to be transformed into star grains, a collection of lights, or a mosaic-like skin. The combination of the title and material elevates this work from a "cute pumpkin" to an incandescent cosmic entity.

If we associate Kusama's polka dots with the universe, where each individual melts into a larger cosmic element, then in Starry Pumpkin, we are not just looking at "the surface pattern of a pumpkin," but rather witnessing a living entity opening up to the universe. The "proliferation," "repetition," and "boundlessness" often found in Kusama's works are truly embodied in this three-dimensional piece.

Since this work is approximately 146cm tall, it is better viewed by walking around it rather than looking at it head-on like a painting. This is because the rounded form, the undulations of the ridges, the reflection of the tiles, and the rhythm of the surface change with each viewing angle. M+ also introduces Kusama's pumpkins not as mere symbols, but as entities with unique shapes and personalities. In other words, while this work is a "classic Kusama motif," it is important to see it not as a mass-produced repetition, but as a unique individual with its own character.

Starry Pumpkin, 2016 is a work that superimposes images of stars, infinity, and the cosmos onto Kusama Yayoi's intimate self-image of a "pumpkin." Despite its soft and approachable shape, as one looks at it, the sense of scale shifts, and one is led from personal emotions to cosmic expansiveness. I believe that this **coexistence of "cuteness" and "boundlessness"** is the charm of this work.

This work is kept by our affiliated gallery in France. According to local (French) standards, its condition is good, but the criteria for evaluating the condition of aged items may differ between France and Japan. Please consider purchasing after acknowledging any signs of use due to age (stains, discoloration, folds, wrinkles, fading, etc.) as a vintage item. Please note that we have not inspected the actual item. **More detailed condition photos are available, so please inquire before purchasing.** The work is currently stored in France, and delivery after ordering will take more than two weeks. Due to the nature of the work, returns after purchase are not accepted.