Jesús Soto's Pénétrable Draws Record Number of Visitors in London

During the closing cocktail reception, attended by distinguished guests from the worlds of art, culture and finance, Serpentine Artistic Director Hans Ulrich Obrist described the installation as  one of the most successful public sculptures in the institution's history.

"The numbers are extraordinary. On some days, we welcomed as many as 4,000 visitors," he said. "It has been deeply moving to see so many children interacting with the work. Many of them may remember this as their first encounter with art."

The landmark exhibition originated from a meeting between Obrist and the founder of ORBE, arranged by gallerist Emmanuel Perrotin. During a conversation about Soto's international career, Melanie Nenning Herrera pointed out that the artist had never had a solo exhibition in the United Kingdom. The observation sparked the interest of Obrist, who had personally known Soto.

At the closing event, Melanie Nenning Herrera recalled that Soto never intended his work to be merely observed.

"The master wanted us to become part of his art, to touch it, to step inside his work, and that is  exactly what has happened here. We are honouring his legacy, and we are immensely proud to  have helped make this possible at one of the world's most important cultural institutions," she said.

The recently closed installation features 4,000 yellow vinyl strands suspended from a ten-metre-long steel structure. Its presentation in London was made possible through the  coordinated efforts of ORBE Consultants, Serpentine Galleries, Perrotin Gallery and Atelier Jesús Soto in Paris, with sponsorship from Britannia Financial Group.

Pénétrable BBL Jaune belongs to a series of more than 70 sculptures created by the artist in this distinctive style. Born in Venezuela, Jesús Rafael Soto built an international career from Paris and  became one of the defining figures of twentieth-century kinetic art. His investigations into optical vibration, movement and space transformed the relationship between the artwork and its audience.

An Experience for New Generations

A collection of colouring books, pencil cases and other products designed to introduce children to the artist's visual language was another major initiative presented as part of the exhibition.

"This is the first time we have done something like this, and the result could not have been better," said Adriana Gutiérrez, Director of Atelier Jesús Soto in Paris. "We are extremely happy and  grateful."

Although no official announcement has been made, the organisers have not ruled out the possibility of another exhibition dedicated to the artist.

"I would like to think this is just a preview of what is to come. London has been waiting a long time for a comprehensive retrospective of master artist Jesús Soto," said Melanie Nenning Herrera.

SOURCE MP Publishing