“We are deeply proud to present New York with its first Yayoi Kusama bronze Pumpkin for all to enjoy” said Joseph Moinian, CEO of The Moinian Group, Sky’s developer. “It is an honor and a privilege to have such an iconic and important work of art by one of the world’s greatest living artists permanently residing in front of Sky. I hope it will become a cherished emblem of culture in the city for generations to come.”
Sky also unveiled two “Infinity Nets” paintings by Kusama that are permanently installed inside the building’s David Rockwell designed, award winning lobby.
Stationed prominently in the center of the new development’s handsomely appointed motor court, the monumental bronze pumpkin sculpture weighs approximately 2,668 pounds and measures ninety-four and seven-eighths inches by ninety-two and one half inches by ninety-two and one half inches.
Since childhood, Yayoi Kusama, whose family made their living cultivating plant seeds, has been fascinated by the natural world. Drawn especially to vegetal and floral life, Kusama has returned repeatedly to the pumpkin motif throughout her career, seen as early as 1948 in her works on paper. Her strong connection to the pumpkin stems from her admiration of its hardiness and everyday appeal. She has written:
“It seems that pumpkins do not inspire much respect. But I was enchanted by their charming and winsome form. What appealed to me most was the pumpkin’s generous unpretentiousness. That and its solid spiritual base.” (Yayoi Kusama, Infinity Net: The Autobiography of Yayoi Kusama, trans. Ralph McCarthy, London 2011, p.76)
Yayoi Kusama’s bronze pumpkins premiered in London at Victoria Miro in 2014 and were two years in the making. They mark the first time the artist has worked with bronze on such a large scale. The works are currently included in her acclaimed Scandinavian museum retrospective In Infinity at the Henie Onstad Kunstsenter, Oslo. Previously at the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, Denmark. Subsequently touring to Moderna Museet, Stockholm, Sweden; and Helsinki Art Museum, Finland.
Sky is a 71-story tower featuring luxurious residences ranging from studios to two bedrooms, including the Vue Penthouse Collection. Offering an unparalleled breadth of services and amenities designed by Rockwell Group, the elegant building has an exclusive 70,000 square-foot membership club, Lifetime Athletic at Sky. Residents can enjoy two zero-edge outdoor pools, a 60-foot long indoor pool, water club with Turkish style hammam, full-size indoor basketball court, wholesome café and spa. Located at the nexus of two dynamic neighborhoods, Hell’s Kitchen and the Hudson Yards District, Sky is graced with sweeping city and Hudson River views.
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