Jeff Koons
American, b. 1955
Dom Pérignon Balloon Venus, 2013
Lacquered polyurethane resin in two parts with original custom flight case
19.2 x 14.1 x 19.8 in. (48.77 x 35.81 x 50.29 cm.)
Stamped with the artist's signature and title on suede interior lining
Edition of 650
Lot ID141570
Estimate
20,000—30,000 USD
Jeff Koons' sleek and shiny works, inspired by inflatables, are the hallmark of his artistic style and aesthetic critique. Dom Pérignon Balloon Venus is a lacquered polyurethane resin multiple cast in a brilliant fuchsia and is based on the artist's larger-scale sculpture of the same name. Released in an edition of 650 and in collaboration with Dom Pérignon, Balloon Venus explores Koons' fascination with the chubby totemic Venus of Willendorf, a 25,000-year-old carved figure found in present-day Austria. The very same sculpture inspired painter Willem de Kooning's famous female subject.
In the process of modeling this work, Koons relied on his Los Angeles balloon consultant Buster Balloon. Using a 60-inch long balloon, Buster made 85 versions before the artist settled on the final model, which he then CAT-scanned in order to record the measurements exactly. Balloon Venus comes in two parts: the bottom portion, which can cradle a bottle of champagne, and the top half, which completes the sculpture and covers the bottle. The work comes in the original custom flight case, measuring 31 x 21 x 19.25 inches.
Please note that this work is not accompanied by the bottle of Dom Pérignon Rosé Vintage 2003.
Provenance:
Acquired directly from the publisher by the present owner