A ceramic work worth over 50 million won was shattered due to a visitor’s mistake.
According to CNN on the 20th (local time), on the night of the 16th, a visitor who participated in a pre-event held for VIP at the exhibition hall ‘Art Window’ in Miami, USA kicked the pedestal on which the famous ‘Balloon Dog’ sculpture is placed, and the work was broken. ended up
The broken piece is ‘Balloon Dog’ by Jeff Koons, an American contemporary artist. It is a ceramic statue that looks like a puppy blown up by balloons, and has an estimated value of 42,000 dollars (approximately 54.42 million won). At the time, this work was placed on an acrylic pedestal with Koons’ name on it.
Photo = Bel Air Fine ArtsLocal media reported that a visitor knocked on the sculpture, wondering if it was actually made of balloons, causing it to fall and shatter.
However, Cedric Boero of Bel Air Fine Art, which organizes the exhibition, explained to CNN, “The sculpture was not broken by a visitor touching it. He did not touch the work with his hands.”
“That day was ‘Opening Cocktail Day,’ so many people came. As a result, the visitor unconsciously touched the pedestal and the work was broken.”
Photo = Bel Air Fine Arts“Unfortunately, this often happens. That’s why we insure the works.”
The ‘Balloon Dog’ works by Koons are thousands of pieces, and they vary in color, size, and material. The broken piece this time is a blue porcelain statue with a height of 40 cm and a length of 48 cm.
In this exhibition, the broken ‘balloon dog’ pieces are put in a box and are waiting for review by the insurance company. However, broken pieces are expected to be sold at high prices.
Artist and collector Stephen Gamson, who was present at the scene that day, asked the gallery if they would be willing to sell the broken piece, and the gallery said it was currently reviewing it.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.