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Balloon Dog (Blue) is the quintessential example of the Celebration cycle. Conceived between 1994 and 1996, this important group of works represents a series of special events (birthdays, weddings, holidays…), which the artist isolates from their normal context and expands in order to create contemporary archetypes.

The original sculpture Balloon Dog which measures more than 3 meters high represents a balloon, twisted in the shape of a dog, which has been greatly enlarged, cast in stainless steel, mirror-polished, and then painted with transparent color. The inflatable balloon evokes childhood memories, toys, and children’s joyful games; the artist takes an object that represents the fleeting pleasures of life and renders it permanent. Along with the innocence and simplicity of childhood, Koon’s work conveys a deeper symbolic meaning, as Koons explains: “It’s a very optimistic piece; it’s like a balloon that a clown would twist for you at a birthday party. But at the same time, it’s a Trojan horse. These pieces have an interior life. The exterior is totally reflective. It constantly reminds viewers of their existence, of your existence, it’s all about you. When you leave the room, it’s gone. When you move, the abstraction takes place; nothing happens without you; it needs you.”

For nearly 160 years, Bernardaud has worked with the most skilled artisans at their workshop in Limoges and has created new technologies to achieve the porcelain art pieces made in collaboration with Jeff Koons. No detail was compromised in rendering the dog in porcelain. Bernardaud was challenged with the reflective surface, finessing the glaze techniques and refining the surface to create as smooth a surface as possible made for a porcelain finish.

Additional Details:

• Limited edition; only 799 produced
• Material: porcelain
• 18.8″L x 6.2″W x 15.75″T
• Wipe clean
• Made in France

About Bernardaud:
Founded in 1863 in Limoges, France, and still owned by the family, Bernardaud continues to be at the cutting edge of creativity and innovation while upholding its core values of excellence, superior quality and precision. Working in a sector that is in a permanent state of change, the house continues to develop advanced technology and push back technical limits in the art and science of porcelain-making. The company’s determination to work to the highest of standards is the key to its collaboration with internationally famous contemporary artists.

“The art of making porcelain is subtle and presents us with constant challenges. It pushes us to always go further. I accept the challenge. It is a challenge that demands time before all else. It is the path of perfection.” Michel Bernardaud