Yayoi Kusama’s iconic 'Pumpkin' arrives in Kai Tak

Lifestyle International has unveiled the first-ever outdoor public exhibition of Yayoi Kusama’s iconic masterpiece, pumpkin—a majestic three-meter sculpture that now graces the open area of Tower I at The Twins in Kai Tak.

Launched on 6 June, the commanding sculpture marks the beginning of a larger artistic rollout. Additional creations by Kusama and other internationally revered artists are slated to arrive soon, transforming the venue into a world-class destination for contemporary public art.

The artistic vision finds its roots in the architectural design of The Twins itself. As Kowloon East’s most ambitious integrated lifestyle, retail, and entertainment development, its philosophy—"Different together"—celebrates the harmony of contrast.

The development's two towers engage in a dialogue between tradition and modernity: Tower I, home to the SOGO Kai Tak Department Store, draws warmth from the tactile elegance of Japanese textile artistry, while Tower II (SNDO) embraces a bold, industrial language of raw materials and striking forms. Beyond a traditional shopping destination, The Twins is envisioned as a living canvas and a vibrant cultural salon where art, design, fashion, and community intertwine.

Few artists have shaped the visual language of the modern era as profoundly as Yayoi Kusama. Throughout her extensive career across painting, sculpture, performance, and monumental installations, the pumpkin has remained one of her most enduring symbols. For Kusama, the motif represents a sanctuary of the spirit, a vessel of solace that alchemised her childhood hallucinations into a creative force.

This specific pumpkin installation features a vivid emerald mantle adorned with Kusama’s signature constellation of bold black polka dots. Positioned within the sunlit plaza, the sculpture’s voluptuous form offers a playful yet dignified presence, inviting public encounters and serving as a meditation on resilience and healing.

The arrival of pumpkin is only the first phase of Lifestyle International’s broader cultural strategy. Before the end of the year, additional masterpieces by Kusama will join the installation, culminating in the most comprehensive public presentation of her work ever witnessed in Kai Tak.

To enrich the cultural life of the community, Lifestyle International is curating a cross-generational, multimedia art collection of international caliber. Confirmed upcoming additions include Sir Antony Gormley’s powerful BIG SPLICE and Izumi Ando’s A Tree & A Pair Of Horses. Through these public acquisitions, the group aims to make fine contemporary art an accessible, daily source of inspiration and reflection for the people of Hong Kong.

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out to Lifestyle International for more information. 

The pumpkin motif has long held a definitive place in Yayoi Kusama’s celebrated oeuvre, rooted in a childhood fascination with the vegetable's peculiar yet unpretentious form. To Kusama, pumpkins are deeply human, each possessing a unique shape and distinct personality.

While her signature yellow-and-black dotted pumpkin sculptures gained widespread public traction during major global showcases in 2022, her work continues to bridge the gap between high art and daily life. Through strategic partnerships with prominent brands and institutions—including Hong Kong’s MTR, the M+ Museum, and Heytea—Kusama’s visionary contemporary art has been integrated into public spaces, making world-class culture accessible to diverse audiences worldwide.

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