Jeff Koons X Bernardaud

Balloon Swan (Magenta)

Jeff Koons transforms a simple twisted balloon swan into a reflective magenta porcelain limited edition, Balloon Swan (Magenta). Incorporating the vocabulary of his iconic Celebration sculptures, Balloon Swan, along with two other animals, Balloon Monkey and Balloon Rabbit, marked a spectacular new chapter in Koons's oeuvre. The figure of the swan has significant personal resonance for the artist; it was one of the first sculptures Koons made at 9 years old in ceramic, for which the young artist diligently worked on to get the angle of the neck correct. Koons had an epiphany when he first saw the swan's twodimensional form on the computer: "Balloon Swan harmonizes sexual energy. If you look at it from the front, it's totemlike and male. If you go to the side it becomes female. Balloon Swan is reminiscent of classical works, it defines beauty as sexual harmony." Whether it is the seductive reflective surface, the intricate knots, creases, or twists, no detail of the work was compromised in rendering the Balloon Swan in porcelain. Born in 1955 in York, Pennsylvania, Jeff Koons is without question one of the most important living artists. He is among the few who successfully extract the essentials from avantgardism, most notably Pop Art. In his hands, even the most familiar, everyday items transcend commonality to become true icons that manifest the essence of American popular culture. Yet on a broader scope, we are presented with positive messages of acceptance and humanity, themes which resonate universally. Koons works are exhibited throughout the world and are found in numerous public and private collections. 9 1/2" x 6 7/16" x 8 1/4". Limited edition of 999. Porcelain. Made in France.