ELEPHANT (Gold)
About this artwork
Cut into the shape of various animals, Koons's Easyfun mirrors offer a blend of abstraction and graphic design. Describing them as "just as simple as a pack of Crayola", the artist selected the colours specially to complement the individual animals. With their polished surfaces, the mirrors are highly reflective, and it is impossible to view them without also seeing oneself. Framing the audience within a fantastical world of ponies, elephants and hippos, the artworks recall a childish sense of perception and self-discovery. Koons has said of these works “it’s about being able to create a work that helps liberate people from judgment.” However, the reflections also respond to our narcissistic desire for self-satisfaction, fulfilling adult fantasies and pleasures.
Updated before 2020
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artist:Jeff Koons (born 1955) American
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title:ELEPHANT (Gold)
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date created:1999
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materials:Glass, plastic and stainless steel
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measurements:193.30 x 150.30 x 3.00 cm
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object type:
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credit line:ARTIST ROOMS National Galleries of Scotland and Tate. Acquired jointly through The d'Offay Donation with assistance from the National Heritage Memorial Fund and Art Fund, 2008
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accession number:AR00491
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gallery:

Jeff Koons
Jeff Koons
Koons was born in Pennsylvania. Before becoming an artist he worked as a successful commodities broker on Wall Street. In Koons's early work he displayed everyday items such as vacuum cleaners and basketballs in glass cases, making them both aesthetic objects and social icons. In so doing, the...