A pumpkin in the sea. The news fell early in the morning in France, confirmed by the management of the Naoshima site: one of the emblematic works of the museum of contemporary art, the
yellow
pumpkin
with black polka dots by the Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, was swept away Monday by the typhoon that hit the small island off Okayama, in southern Honshu.
“The artwork was damaged by Typhoon 9.
We will let you know when it is possible to exhibit it again, ”
explains the Benesse Art Site Naoshima on social networks.
To read also: Against the Covid-19, the artist Yayoi Kusama sends his message "Peace and Love" to the whole world
Typhoon No.9 hit the archipelago from south to north from Sunday with squalls exceeding 100 km / h and loose waves, leaving little chance for the pumpkin, exposed on a pontoon facing the Seto Inland Sea.
The work, one of the original pieces in a series that the artist exhibits around the world, has been installed in this usually peaceful site since 1994. But in August 2019, already, it had to be moved and sheltered during the passage. of Storm Krosa. It will not have resisted that of this summer. Visitors found her, beaten by the waves, a little further on the shore. According to several accounts, the work would have ended up being completely destroyed by the swell. What the institution does not confirm. Nor does it indicate whether it has a copy that it could install again on the pontoon to present it to the public.
It would not be the only part of this exhibition center damaged by the storm.
A photo from
Shinro Ohtake's
Shipyark Works, which
appeared on the media,
shows the sculpture scattered to pieces on the beach.
Read also: The giant squash in Place Vendôme disappears from the inauguration of the Fiac
Yayoi Kusama's Pumpkin, however, seems to attract weather trouble like a lightning rod.
An inflatable and much larger version of the work, entitled
Life of the Pumpkin Recites, All About the Biggest Love for the People
had been briefly presented in Paris as part of the Fiac hors les murs in 2019. The structure was enthroned on the Place Vendôme, before disappearing overnight.
The organizers had in fact decided to repackage the installation
"because of bad weather".
An inflatable and much larger version of the work had been briefly presented in Paris as part of the Fiac hors les murs in 2019. Before being dismantled due to bad weather.
FRANCOIS GUILLOT / AFP
