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Jeff Koons Debuts a 45-Foot-Tall Inflatable Ballerina at NYC’s Rockefeller Center

By Sara Barnes on May 20, 2017

Renowned pop artist Jeff Koons has recently installed a new sculpture in the middle of New York City’s Rockefeller Center. Known for his iconic, larger-than-life balloon dogs, this particular piece is an inflatable ballerina sculpture—only his second following a giant rabbit that floated in Times Square nearly 10 years ago.

Titled Seated Ballerina, the metallic-looking character is part of Koons’ Antiquity series. The delicate dancer—seen here lacing her ballet slippers—references a fragile figurine you’d find in a turn-of-the-century Russian factory. Additionally, the subject is Koons’ contemporary take on the mythical Roman goddess Venus, who encompasses love, beauty, sex, and fertility.

The mirrored nylon sculpture stands at 45 feet tall and gazes down at the passersby, while a diffused version of the surrounding landscape is also echoed on her surface. Koons’ scale, color, and material makes Seated Ballerina a beacon and impossible to miss. This is an important part of the project, as its presence is intended to raise awareness of national missing children’s month in May.

“This partnership will increase awareness and help the International Center for Missing and Exploited Children make the world a safer place for children,” Koons said in a statement. Continuing, “I hope the installation of seated ballerina at Rockefeller Center offers a sense of affirmation and excitement to the viewer to reach their potential. The aspect of reflectivity emulates life’s energy; it’s about contemplation and what it means to be a human being. it’s a very hopeful piece.”

The Seated Ballerina sculpture is hosted by real estate firm Tishman Speyer and presented by cosmetic brand Kiehl’s and a non-profit organization called Art Production Fund. It's on view until June 2, 2017.