Photo/Illutration Yayoi Kusama’s “Yellow Pumpkin” before it was washed away by Typhoon No. 9 on Aug. 9, 2021. (Photo by Shigeo Anzai)

TAKAMATSU--Officials of an international art festival have abandoned plans to reinstall Yayoi Kusama’s “Yellow Pumpkin” that was washed away in a typhoon last year, the education-related company that owns the artwork said.

The iconic piece, originally installed on the shore of Naoshima island in Kagawa Prefecture, will be unavailable for the Setouchi Triennale art festival’s spring session scheduled from April 14 to May 18, according to Benesse Holdings Inc.

In fact, there is no immediate prospects of reinstalling the pumpkin created by one of Japan’s leading avant-garde artists, the company added.

Measuring 2 meters high and 2.5 meters wide and made of fiberglass reinforced plastic, the pumpkin had become a symbol of the island since it was installed at the tip of a pier jutting into the sea in 1994.

Strong winds from Typhoon No. 9 knocked the pumpkin into the sea on the morning of Aug. 9. It repeatedly crashed into the pier.

The heavily damaged piece was retrieved and temporarily stored in the Benesse House Museum on the island. It was then handed over to the Kusama side.

According to a Benesse publicist, no decision has been made on whether the piece will be restored or if a new one will be built.

Although festival officials concluded it would be difficult to reinstall the pumpkin during the spring session, they are still seeking ways to set up the artwork.

“We will continue consultations with relevant parties,” the publicist said.

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