Yayoi Kusama, at 92 years old, is a pioneer of Contemporary and Pop art, a feminist icon with a career spanning over six decades and one of the most sought-after artists of this generation.  Dubbed “The Princess of Polka Dots,” Kusama’s work ranges from paintings, sculptures, art installations,  movies and collaborations with Louis Vuitton, all unified by her ample use of polka dots, mirrors and pumpkins.
  Her use of dots revolves around the unsettling “delusions” and “hallucinations” she had growing up; from dots and floral patterns consuming her and the spaces she occupied, to the feeling of being obliterated.
    Kusama resided at Benesse Art Site, Naoshima, an island dedicated to Contemporary art and architecture that manages to draw enthusiasts worldwide. It is 8-feet tall and about 1’800 pounds. The marigold yellow body is embellished with a vertical column of solid black dots that get smaller with each placement closer to the grooves of the gourd.The size of the dots helps aid in showing the depth and curves of the pumpkin. 

   Kusama’s sculpture would usually sit at the end of the pier, the pride and focal point of the island. The pumpkin is bright yellow, which contrasts against the pale and dull blues of the ocean and surrounding environment. “I prefer pumpkins because they are not only attractive in both color and form, but are tender to the touch,” Kusama said.
  However, when Typhoon Lupit made landfall on Naoshima, the prized pumpkin was swept into the ocean, thrashing against the banks of the island far away from its original spot. The staff of the island can usually move art pieces before the storm but were not able to reach it in time. Sadly, even though Kusama preps her pieces to withstand the elements, a sizable crack in the sculpture’s fiberglass was noticed in the video. Thankfully, the pumpkin was recovered and has been removed for restoration, according to the Benesse Art Site website. 

    The Benesse Art Site left an apology for visitors, “We are currently restoring the damaged work and it will not be available for viewing. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, thank you for your understanding.”