Artist: Mihai Grecu
Gallery: Biju Gallery
Exhibited at: RAD Sculpture Park, as part of RAD Art Fair 2026, Bucharest

From Concept to Monument

“PEPENE – The Emperor” is a bold, oversized sculptural piece — a watermelon reimagined at monumental scale. Fresh, playful, and slightly surreal, the work translates Mihai Grecu’s artistic vision into a physical presence that commands attention in an outdoor setting.

Commissioned through Biju Gallery and presented at RAD Sculpture Park, the piece stands as a meeting point between contemporary art and large-scale fabrication.

Supporting Artistic Vision

At Colordrops, working with artists means more than production — it means understanding and translating a vision without losing its essence.

For this project, our role was to support the artist in moving from idea to object, preserving the conceptual clarity while ensuring the sculpture performs structurally and visually in an outdoor environment.

We believe that art deserves the same level of technical precision, care, and durability as any large-scale installation — without compromising its meaning.

The Process

The production followed a clear and efficient pipeline, combining digital tools with handcrafted refinement:

• 3D modeling to define form and proportions
• CNC-carved structure for accuracy at scale
• Hand-sculpted foam detailing, refining the organic surface
• FRP (fiberglass reinforced polyester) lamination for strength and durability
• Custom hand-painting, capturing the vivid, “freshly cut” aesthetic
• UV protective coating, ensuring long-lasting color in outdoor conditions

This hybrid approach allows for both precision and artistic sensitivity, translating a simple idea into a refined, large-scale object.

Material Meets Meaning

While the form is instantly recognizable — a watermelon — the scale and finish transform it into something else entirely: a symbol, an object of curiosity, a statement.

The contrast between playful subject matter and precise execution is what gives the piece its strength. It feels immediate, yet carefully constructed; simple, yet technically complex.

Colordrops & Contemporary Art

Projects like PEPENE “The Emperor” reflect an important part of what we do at Colordrops:
supporting artists in bringing ambitious ideas into the physical world.

Whether it’s a gallery piece, a public sculpture, or an installation, we offer the tools, materials, and expertise needed to scale artistic concepts without losing their identity.

Open to Collaborations

If you’re an artist, curator, or gallery looking to develop a sculptural project — from prototype to large-scale installation — we’d love to collaborate.

We work closely with creators to ensure that every piece is not only built to last, but also stays true to its original vision.