
Balloon Swan
2017
Jeff Koons' "Balloon Swan" (2017) presents a captivating study in contrasts, transforming the ephemeral joy of a twisted balloon animal into a work of enduring elegance. Rendered in metallic glazed porcelain, the sculpture gleams with a brilliant golden finish, its highly polished surface reflecting its surroundings and inviting viewers into its lustrous world. The familiar, playful form of a swan, meticulously crafted from what appears to be inflated balloons, achieves an unexpected gravitas through its substantial material. This piece embodies a meticulous attention to detail, from the smooth, rounded contours that suggest air-filled volumes to the delicate articulation of the swan's neck and head. The artwork's immediate visual appeal lies in its shimmering presence, a testament to its exceptional craftsmanship and the artist's distinctive aesthetic. This iteration of "Balloon Swan" is a quintessential example of Koons' practice, where he elevates objects from popular culture and childhood memories to the realm of fine art. Part of his acclaimed "Celebration" series, which explores themes of birth, childhood, and festivity, the work captures a sense of wonder and delight, making it instantly recognizable and highly sought after. Koons masterfully plays with perception, presenting a seemingly weightless and fragile object in a robust and permanent medium. The choice of metallic glazed porcelain imbues the piece with a luxurious quality, challenging traditional notions of value and beauty by juxtaposing the mundane with the exquisite. It invites contemplation on the nature of art, consumerism, and the universal experience of joy, rendered with an almost hyperreal precision that blurs the lines between reality and artifice, cementing its status as an iconic work within his celebrated oeuvre.
- Medium
- Metallic glazed porcelain
- Location
- Wright, Chicago, United States
🔨 Auction Lot
Wright: 20|21 Art: The Chicago Edition (July 2022)
July 14, 2022
Estimate: $5,000 to $7,000
Lot 109
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