Yayoi Kusama chose the pumpkin motif due to its sturdy, unpretentious appearance and its ability to evoke a sense of spiritual peace for her.
The interior of the Red Pumpkin functions as a kaleidoscope, shifting the natural light patterns throughout the day.
This installation was specifically designed to be an interactive piece, allowing the public to touch and enter the sculpture, unlike many of Kusama's gallery-bound works.
The Red Pumpkin is one of two iconic Kusama sculptures on Naoshima, the other being a Yellow Pumpkin located on a pier at Benesse House.
During severe weather or typhoons, the pumpkin is occasionally removed or secured to prevent damage from strong coastal winds.
The Red Pumpkin is a massive, polka-dotted outdoor sculpture created by Japanese contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama. Situated on a concrete pier at Miyanoura Port on Naoshima Island, it serves as a primary visual landmark for visitors arriving by ferry. The sculpture is hollow, allowing visitors to walk inside its interior to experience light filtering through the various cut-out spots. It is constructed from reinforced plastic and stands as a permanent installation commissioned for the island's art-focused revitalization project. The work reflects Kusama's long-standing fascination with the pumpkin motif, which she views as a source of comfort and human-like qualities. The sculpture is intentionally positioned to interact with the natural landscape and the surrounding Seto Inland Sea.
From the water's edge on the pier looking back at the pumpkin with the Seto Inland Sea in the background.
Visit during low tide for a unique perspective of the pier and the surrounding shoreline.
Go inside the pumpkin to observe the circular shadows cast on the ground by the spots.
Combine your visit with the nearby Naoshima Pavilion, another notable outdoor art installation at Miyanoura Port.
Do not attempt to climb or sit on top of the sculpture; it is intended for interior exploration only.
