Dancing Pumpkin Lands at NGV

Dancing Pumpkin (2020), now on display in Federation Court, is a dynamic, large-scale artwork that sets the stage for the much-anticipated Yayoi Kusama exhibition, opening on December 15. This remarkable piece marks the countdown to the most comprehensive Kusama exhibition Australia has ever seen.

Kusama’s connection to pumpkins goes back to her childhood in Matsumoto, Japan, where she grew up on her family’s plant and seed farm. Over her eight-decade career, the pumpkin has become her iconic symbol, appearing in her paintings, drawings, sculptures, and immersive installations. But Dancing Pumpkin takes her signature motif to new heights. With eleven polka-dotted legs seeming to twist and sway, the sculpture invites viewers to experience it from beneath, giving them a unique and immersive view of Kusama’s world.

This monumental sculpture is only the beginning. In addition to Dancing Pumpkin, visitors will find a collection of Kusama’s most popular works displayed around NGV International, each free to enjoy. Among them are The Obliteration Room (2002–present), a family-friendly, interactive installation in the NGV children’s gallery; Narcissus Garden (1966/2024), featuring 1,400 mirrored spheres; and a new pink-and-black polka-dot piece specially created for the NGV water wall.

The larger Yayoi Kusama exhibition will fill NGV International’s entire ground floor and will showcase the breadth of Kusama’s artistic contributions—from painting and sculpture to collage, fashion, and film. Supported by both Kusama’s own collection and pieces loaned from institutions in Japan and Australia, the exhibit will offer an unparalleled view of her career, spanning minimalism, pop art, and feminist art.

Running from December 15, 2024, to April 21, 2025, Yayoi Kusama will draw visitors from across Australia and beyond. Tickets are available on the NGV website, with entry to Dancing Pumpkin and select installations free for all.

LEARN MORE https://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/exhibition/yayoi-kusama/