Jesús Rafael Soto's 'Pénétrable' Exhibition Opens in London
London's Serpentine Galleries has unveiled Jesús Rafael Soto's "Pénétrable BBL Jaune" installation as part of its "Art in the Park" summer program. This marks the first outdoor presentation of Soto's work in the UK.
Serpentine Galleries in London is presenting "Pénétrable BBL Jaune", an iconic work by kinetic artist Jesús Rafael Soto, outdoors for the first time in the United Kingdom. The exhibition is part of the gallery's annual "Art in the Park" summer program, which runs until October 25.
The installation, created in 1999 and launched in 2023 by Soto's heirs, measures ten meters in length and consists of 4,000 identical vinyl strands suspended from a steel structure. Britannia Financial Group is the lead sponsor for this year's "Art in the Park" initiative.
Soto, a Venezuelan artist celebrated as a key figure in 20th-century kinetic art, is known for his interactive pieces that encourage audience participation. His artistic vision transformed the relationship between art, space, and the viewer. The exhibition aims to extend Soto's legacy to a broader audience. The artist received significant recognition during his lifetime, including the French Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in 1968 and the UNESCO Picasso Medal in 1990.
In addition to the "Pénétrable" installation, the exhibition features a special display of the artist's portfolio and, for the first time, a specially authorized edition of children's products derived from his artwork. The "Art in the Park" program seeks to bring art beyond the gallery walls, with a closing cocktail event planned for October.