Darcy's Kusama Pumpkin Pie
In celebration of her favorite artist, Darcy made drawings of and decorated pumpkins. She capped off the activity with homemade pumpkin pie, an unexpected treat in July.
Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama is known in the art world as the 'Princess of Polka Dots.' She has dazzled museum visitors with her infinity rooms that have featured some of her objects, like her pumpkin sculptures.
Featured in this section is a Yayoi Kusama 'My Love for the Eternal Pumpkin' sculpture when it was on view at the Hirshhorn Museum, Washington, D.C. The photo essay below contains a mix of images from Kusama exhibits, Darcy's creative process, and her pumpkin pies!
Who is Yayoi Kusama?
Yayoi Kusama was born on March 22, 1929, in Japan. She is a famous artist known for her sculptures and infinity mirror rooms. Kusama is very talented and makes all kinds of art like paintings, performances, videos, poems, and stories. Her art is very creative and includes ideas about feminism, minimalism, surrealism, pop art, and abstract expressionism. A lot of her work is about her own life and feelings, and she often includes psychological and sexual themes. Kusama is one of the most important artists alive today and the best-selling female artist in the world.
Kusama grew up in Matsumoto and studied traditional Japanese painting, called nihonga, at Kyoto City University of Arts for a year. She was inspired by American Abstract Expressionism and moved to New York City in 1958. There, she became a big part of the 1960s avant-garde scene and the pop-art movement. In the late 1960s, she became well-known for organizing events where people, often naked, were covered in bright polka dots during the hippie counterculture. Her work became less famous in the 1970s but had a big comeback in the 1980s. Kusama has kept making and showing her art in top museums worldwide, staying influential from the 1950s until now.
“A polka-dot has the form of the sun, which is a symbol of the energy of the whole world and our living life, and also the form of the moon, which is calm.”
- Yayoi Kusama
Unique Twist
By finding inspiration in Yayoi Kusama's art, Darcy was able to create a unique activity for herself. By creating her own 'eternal pumpkins,' she was able to develop a deeper understanding of Kusama's artwork. While Yayoi may not bake a pie after the creation of each pumpkin, Darcy took her pumpkin inspiration a step further and made one of her favorite desserts that is a year-round favorite. Pumpkin pie in July? For us, it is a typical summer treat!
“Polka dots can't stay alone. When we obliterate nature and our bodies with polka dots, we become part of the unity of our environments.”
- Yayoi Kusama
Silver Jubilee Pumpkin Pie Recipe
Pumpkin Pie
Ingredients:
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1/2 recipe Standard Pastry (page 362)
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1 cup brown sugar
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1/2 teaspoon ginger
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1 teaspoon cinnamon
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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2 eggs, slightly beaten
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1 1/2 cups milk
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1/2 cup thin cream
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1 1/2 cups cooked or canned pumpkin
Instructions:
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Line a 9-inch pie pan with pastry.
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Mix sugar, spices, and salt.
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Add slightly beaten eggs, milk, cream, and pumpkin. Mix well.
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Pour into unbaked pastry shell, and bake in a moderately hot oven (425°F) for 40 to 45 minutes, until an inserted knife comes out clean.
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Yield: 1 9-inch pie.
Note:
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If desired, 2 cups of undiluted evaporated milk may replace the milk and cream.
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Pumpkin pie may be covered with whipped cream flavored with sherry, maple syrup, or honey.