The Balloon Art of Jeff Koons

Jeff Koons (1955) is an American artist who stands out for taking the image of everyday objects to the field of sculpture, exploring the sense of art and the crisis of representation. From the beginning of his training at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he showed his interest in the art world associated with marketing and commerce, reflecting his parallel activity as a stockbroker. Although in his work he makes paintings, it is in the sculpture and installation where he will stand out the most. The 80s will be the beginning of the proposal between object and materiality; "Inflatables", daily inflated objects presented inside glass showcases. The word game is taken to the representation where a simple child inflation is exhibited as a work of art. The fragile and ordinary materiality moves to that of a sculpture. The choice of objects is not random. These highlight a clear kitsch style, where the taste for an ornate and “bad taste” aesthetic stands out. His sculptures intend to enter an everyday object into the artistic field.

Subsequently, Koons explores the representation in industrial materials, separating them from the reality and nature of origin. This tension helps the viewer play visually with the value of the object, with its meaning and symbolization.

In 1992, he made "Puppy", a large sculpture 12 meters high where he represents a foxterrier dog, covered with flowers. This imposing work refers to a classic European garden of the eighteenth century, making tension with the spaces of contemporary culture where it is installed.

Mirror polished stainless steel with transparent color layer

307.3x363.2x114.3 cm

5 unique versions (blue, magenta, yellow, orange and red).

However, Koons' most recognized sculptures are his Ballon Dog. Large steel sculptures that allude to typical dogs made of inflated balloon. Again, the artist plays with the meaning of the work representing a superfluous object, without major importance, but which in this case is recognized by any person. The image of the balloon dog is registered in our retina. We recognize its nature and materiality, therefore, it surprises and transforms itself when it is realized on another scale and with a material that extrapolates its lightness and ductility. The bright color plays with the ironic, multiplying its reproduction to be made in five versions: orange, magenta, blue, red and yellow, to be located in different places and scenarios of the world. This harmless children's toy when entering the art world has a much more sarcastic burden, clearly questioning the limits of art and its role in today's society. In this regard, the creator points out: "It is a symbol, like the Trojan horse, it has something mythical."

Practical activity (suggested for middle school students)

It is proposed to know the work of the artist Jeff Koons and talk critically about his work. Students can discuss what objects they would take as references to transform into a work by Jeff Koons and what would be the meaning of that object being presented inside a museum or an art gallery.

As an activity, students are asked to select an object and think about its usefulness, materiality and meaning. Subsequently, they must change the materiality, being able to alter their texture and color, but considering that the purpose is to transform their meaning and / or symbolism. The idea is to suggest the use of new materials that obviously distort the source material, for example: that weave, that use masses, that use foods that change color or transform their state, materials of nature, etc.

The artist who makes amazing costumes only with balloons

We all have dreams, some more plausible than others, but only a few invest their time and money to carry them out. Glenn LaValley is the ideal example to encourage those few. This 54-year-old Canadian decided to change his suit and tie for a multicolored clothing and a huge bag of balloons. The now artist has been creating incredible costumes and sculptures for 15 years only with balloons and transmitting the magic of this art to the little ones.

His creations serve as inspiration for many artists of the unique branch of the balloon twisting . Not surprisingly, LaValley goes beyond the simple figures we used to see and, with only air and balloons, is able to create huge sculptures and original costumes. But, before being able to devote his body and soul to his passion, he had to abandon a career in commerce and a position as an analyst in a technology department of a banking company in Edmonton.

The seed of his adventure took place almost two decades ago. To entertain his little daughter and his nephews, he began to learn little magic tricks. "But I realized that when the magic trick is over, it does not leave physical traces to remember the experience, " says the Canadian in statements to Cooking Ideas. It was then that he decided to try globophlexia, as it allowed him to give something tangible to children.

After a few family performances, LaValley discovered that making balloon figures was a very effective way to connect with the public. According to himself, this activity is very useful to break social barriers and unite complete strangers . “I really like what the magical balloon sculptures mean to people, the way they are attracted to the creation of something surprising and substantial from a little air,” he explains.

The attraction that aroused this art form was increasing to the point that, when he had some free time or was traveling, he went to the squares and coffee shops to practice and entertain people, just for his own Satisfaction of doing it. Although he is excited to connect with adults, the artist is even more fascinated by the reaction he is able to wake up in the little ones. "I love it when children get more and more excited when I twist the balloons and how their eyes light up when I give them the created figure."

However, LaValley did not simply twist balloons to make flowers and swords. Already in his beginnings as a balloon artist, the Canadian created spectacular costumes: geniuses, ogres and monsters created by inflating and folding to surprise his audience. Without knowing it, LaValley was working on a very different future from his profession.

But from a simple hobby to a profession there is a great leap and LaValley had to meditate a lot on the decision. Middle-aged and with a long career behind him, taking the step was not only not easy, but it seemed like a wild spin. "It was a huge change to leave the comfort of a daily and regular job ," now says this balloon professional. "My biggest concern was not finding enough business to pay the bills and not meeting the financial goals."

Therefore, the change was gradual. He began to dedicate himself to the world of balloons professionally on weekends and some afternoons after work. He was fortunate to run into a children's entertainment agent who provided him with the necessary guidance to function in the sector. As he did more performances, he began to develop his own artistic identity . He improved his skills with balloons, devised an original way of dressing and perfected his equipment and materials.

Despite his advances, he wanted more and more. “The work I had did not cover my artistic needs and was not growing professionally. I realized that I was looking forward to ballooning much more than going to my daily office job, ”he explains. Thus, the artistic need led him to try his luck and jump into the pool. "My wife Margo was my biggest support," he tells us. "It encouraged me to have faith in myself , in my abilities and in choosing a career that would make me happy."

However, not everything is rosy. With his new job, LaValley must now invest more hours each day than with the previous position. "As a small business owner and being my own boss, one of the hardest parts is finding the balance between work and my life."

From amateur to mentor

When he began practicing globoflexia in coffee shops, there were sometimes curious people who asked him about his creations and wanted to learn the art. Currently, LaValley organizes a monthly learning session and shares with all kinds of artists their ideas and tricks to twist the balloons and create costumes and sculptures with them.

When he discovered the Twist And Shout convention , held in Florida (United States), he discovered the large number of people who share his passion and decided to share his experience and professional methods with that unique artistic community. Through Facebook, the artist offers advice , help in the designs of other professionals and also learns from others. "There is a whole group of people in the world who are like me and like the balloon balloon as much as I do."

Apart from helping to solve design problems and inspire others with new ideas and forms, a very important aspect is motivation. "Taking measures to realize your dreams will take you to the path of happiness and personal growth," he says confidently. "Look at the possible obstacles that prevent you from making a big change and then address the difficulties one by one."

The artist assures us that, despite the uncertainty of the principle and the difficulties that have been raffling, the result could not be better. “ I feel more fulfilled and happy as a balloon artist than with my old job. I have a very strong desire to make people happy and convey joy, my current profession allows me to do it in almost every assignment I take. ”