Jesús Rafael Soto's 'Pénétrable BBL Jaune' Transforms Kensington Gardens

Serpentine is proud to announce the debut of Jesús Rafael Soto's compelling kinetic sculpture, 'Pénétrable BBL Jaune,' within the picturesque landscape of Kensington Gardens. This installation, a re-edition of Soto's 1999 work, marks a significant moment as it brings the Venezuelan artist's immersive art to the UK outdoors for the first time. It forms part of Serpentine's ambitious 2026 summer program, offering a unique blend of art, architecture, and public engagement.

Experience Art in Motion: Step into Soto's Yellow Labyrinth

A Vibrant Addition to London's Green Heart: Jesús Rafael Soto's 'Pénétrable BBL Jaune' at Kensington Gardens

A striking installation has taken root in Kensington Gardens, near Serpentine South: a rectangular expanse of luminous yellow filaments crafted by the visionary artist Jesús Rafael Soto. This captivating piece, titled 'Pénétrable BBL Jaune' (1999, 2023 Edition), is poised to interact dynamically with both the natural environment and the curious visitors who venture near it.

Expanding Artistic Horizons: Serpentine's Innovative Outdoor Exhibition

This groundbreaking pavilion serves as the cornerstone of Serpentine's highly anticipated 2026 summer agenda. It represents a pioneering effort to present one of the Venezuelan artist's renowned kinetic sculptures in an open-air setting within the United Kingdom. Scheduled for public viewing from June 16th to October 25th, 2026, the artwork transcends the conventional boundaries of the gallery, seamlessly integrating Serpentine's exhibition initiatives with the historic landscape that has long defined its public persona.

A Summer of Creativity: Art, Architecture, and Community Engagement

The unveiling of Soto's sculpture coincides with the inaugural season of LANZA atelier's 25th Serpentine Pavilion and an accompanying archival exhibition. Together, these elements fashion a vibrant summer campus dedicated to fostering art, exploring architectural concepts, and hosting a diverse array of public programs designed to engage and inspire.

The Artist's Vision: Inviting Participation in Kinetic Realms

Born in Venezuela in 1923, Jesús Rafael Soto emerged as a pivotal figure in kinetic art, his practice deeply rooted in the belief that space is active, tangible, and ever-shifting. Over a remarkable career spanning seven decades, Soto conceived and created more than seventy 'Pénétrable' sculptures. Each of these works, varying in size and hue, consists of suspended elements that beckon viewers to step inside and become part of the artistic experience.

Reimagining a Masterpiece: The 2023 Edition of 'Pénétrable BBL Jaune'

The specific installation now gracing Serpentine is a reinterpretation of 'Pénétrable BBL Jaune,' originally conceived and realized by Soto in 1999. This current edition was brought forth by the artist's estate in 2023, commemorating the centenary of his birth. Stretching ten meters in length, the sculpture is meticulously constructed from 4,000 identical PVC strands, each delicately hung from a rectangular steel framework. The precise spacing between these tubes generates a mesmerizing moiré effect, causing the vertical field to shimmer and undulate when viewed from a distance.

Transformative Encounters: How Movement Shapes the Sculpture's Essence

As individuals navigate through the dense thicket of yellow strands, the artwork undergoes a profound transformation. What begins as a visual spectacle evolves into a deeply personal, bodily encounter. The suspended tubes gently brush against passersby, yielding and then reforming, with each step taken altering the sculpture's perceived density and rhythm. This intimate interaction ensures that every visitor's journey through the piece is unique.

Soto's Legacy: The Viewer as an Integral Component of the Artwork

Soto unveiled his very first 'Pénétrable' in 1967, radically expanding the concept of sculpture to include the viewer's active participation in the work's movement. At Serpentine, this groundbreaking philosophy unfolds within the expansive parkland. The vibrant yellow volume, nestled amidst ancient trees, winding pathways, and bustling crowds, effortlessly draws people into an artwork that is continuously reshaped and redefined through human contact.

Soto's Philosophy: Space as a Dynamic, Controlling Force

In a profound discussion with Hans Ulrich Obrist in Paris in March 2004, Soto articulated his innovative perspective on space: 'Contrary to what we have always believed, space is not something that is filled with objects. Objects are in fact filled with space. Space flows. Nothing limits it. I’m interested in showing people who are interested in space as a quality or a universal density that in fact it is space that is in control – it defines and sets its own conditions.'