The ordinary becomes extraordinary in this mirror-polished, stainless-steel sculpture of a balloon swan. Standing 3.5 meters tall in The Henderson’s third-floor lobby, it is the sole red variation among the five unique pieces in Koons’ Balloon Swan series—and the only one currently on display in Asia.
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American artist Jeff Koons is one of the most influential artists of contemporary pop art. Known for his bold colours and highly reflective surfaces, his works often draw from themes and characters in popular culture, reimagining familiar objects with a sense of wonder and playfulness.
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Audio Transcript
Welcome to the grand lobby of The Henderson, where the centerpiece, the Balloon Swan, captivates all who enter. Created by renowned American artist Jeff Koons, this sculpture is one of only five versions in existence worldwide.
Standing over three meters tall, this remarkable piece is crafted from stainless steel and showcases a stunning red translucent coating, among its other counterparts in magenta, blue, violet, and yellow. Weighing in at just over three tonnes, the Balloon Swan paradoxically exudes an airiness, as if it's been inflated with air.
Koons dedicated years to refining the graceful curves of this sculpture. He meticulously studied actual balloons to achieve its hyper-realistic contours and delicate creases, investing nearly eighteen months just to perfect the neck of the swan through computer modeling.
The artist first gained fame with his balloon animal sculptures, particularly through his Celebration series, which features the iconic Balloon Dog. These larger-than-life creations transform everyday objects into extraordinary art, effortlessly merging pop culture with high art. Koons' work contrasts the sleek, polished metal with playful forms, evoking feelings of joy and nostalgia in viewers.
Thank you for enjoying this exquisite piece at The Henderson. Be sure to take a moment to appreciate the artistry and creativity that make the Balloon Swan truly remarkable.