Latest news with #BalloonDog
The Verge
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Verge
You can own a functional version of Jeff Koons' Balloon Dog sculptures for $750
Jeff Koons, best known for his Balloon Dog sculptures that have sold for as much as $58 million, has collaborated with Lexon Design and The Broad museum in Los Angeles to make his iconic artworks more functional and accessible. Available for preorder through Lexon's website starting June 17th are a new 11-inch tall Balloon Dog Speaker and Balloon Dog Lamp that are each made from (an unspecified) 'high-quality translucent material' that reveals the internal electronics that make each more than just a piece of art. Both are only being produced in a 'limited supply' and each one will set you back $750 with shipping expected to start sometime in October 2025. That is extremely expensive, and you're definitely paying a premium because this is an official collaboration with Koons. But to Lexon's credit, at least on paper, the company seems to have packed these with solid hardware. Inside the Balloon Dog Speaker are a total of 'six ultra-precise active drivers and four finely tuned passive radiators' designed to deliver 360-degrees of 'high-fidelity sound.' We haven't had a chance to test the sound quality of those drivers, but that's more than similarly-sized Bluetooth speakers that aren't shaped like a novelty dog often utilize. The speaker connects to mobile devices using Bluetooth 5.0, and with built-in microphones it can be used as a hands-free speakerphone. If you've got $1,500 burning a hole in your pocket, you can also pair two of the Balloon Dog Speakers to create a true stereo sound experience. Inside the Balloon Dog Lamp you'll find nearly 400 LEDs hidden in tubes that create the appearance of neon lighting. All combined, the LEDs can generate up to 200 lumens of brightness with color options that include warm and cool white light plus the full spectrum of color lighting. Although preorders are limited to just two of each piece, Lexon says its 'Easy Sync technology' allows the lighting intensity and color of an 'infinite number of Balloon Dog Lamps' to be synchronized so you can destroy your budget by filling a room, or your entire home, with matching illumination.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Lexon and Jeff Koons Collaborate to Revolutionize Art with Technology
Introducing the Balloon Dog Speaker and the Balloon Dog Lamp: two innovative editions imagined with The Broad, designed to inflate iconic art into everyday life. PARIS, June 11, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Lexon is proud to announce a historic collaboration with Jeff Koons, unveiling the Balloon Dog Speaker and Balloon Dog Lamp: two reimagined, sculptural objects that merge art and technology in an unprecedented way. These official editions envisioned with The Broad in Los Angeles bring the playful spirit of Koons' iconic art into homes worldwide. Pre-orders for this collection will be available starting June 17, 2025, exclusively on with limited supply. A Transparent Fusion of Art and Function The Balloon Dog Speaker and Balloon Dog Lamp expand Jeff Koons' iconic Balloon Dog into new, everyday objects, using a high-quality translucent material that echoes its signature curves and captivating presence. Originally conceived in the 1990s, Koons' Balloon Dog is one of the most recognized symbols of contemporary art. Now, in partnership with Lexon, this masterpiece has been 'inflated' with technology, giving rise to functional and accessible objects. The transformation of Koons' Balloon Dog into a tech-powered object is a remarkable feat of engineering, with over 50,000 hours dedicated to perfecting every detail. Conceived as a true acoustic art piece equipped with Bluetooth 5.0 technology, the Balloon Dog speaker delivers 360° high-fidelity sound with exceptional richness and depth. Its enveloping soundscape is born from the harmonious alliance of six ultra-precise active drivers and four finely tuned passive radiators, meticulously crafted to elevate the low frequencies. Every note fills the space with rare sensory intensity, transforming each moment into a deeply immersive listening experience. Packed with built-in microphones, it supports hands-free calls through your connected device, offering a fun and practical way to enjoy your Balloon Dog Speaker. Thanks to True Wireless Stereo (TWS) technology, two Balloon Dog Speakers can be paired to create an expansive stereo soundstage, offering greater depth, and a more powerful audio presence. The Balloon Dog Lamp harnesses advanced multicolor lighting through nearly 400 integrated LEDs, delivering up to 200 lumens of brightness. It offers a wide selection of hues including warm and cold white, blue, magenta, green, orange, and more, allowing users to tailor the lighting to any setting. More than illumination, it offers a dynamic play of light, empowering users to shape the atmosphere and mood of any space with precision and elegance. With Lexon's proprietary 'Easy Sync' technology, the Balloon Dog Lamp offers a next-level lighting experience, allowing you to connect and synchronize an infinite number of Balloon Dog Lamps in color and brightness effortlessly. Whether placed in different corners of a room or side by side for a striking visual effect, the Balloon Dog Lamps instantly sync together, creating a perfectly coordinated ambiance. Both objects share the same sculptural dimensions of 11 inches / 28cm height and 2 pounds / 900 gr of technology are crafted for durability and everyday use. This collaboration merges artistic heritage with technological innovation, transforming an iconic artwork into functional design with purpose, presence, and everyday relevance. "I'm excited about this new collaboration with Lexon, which has transformed Balloon Dog. The Balloon Dog Lamp has a wide range of vibrant colors, while the Balloon Dog Speaker surrounds us with immersive sound. The two objects are an exciting way for Balloon Dog to enter into our daily lives where art, design, and technology come together," says Jeff Koons. "Our creative alliance with Jeff Koons marks a historic moment for Lexon. It is both an honor and a milestone to bring together our passion for design and technology through a bold reimagining of Balloon Dog, one of the most iconic artworks of our time. This collaboration challenged us to go beyond form and function, crafting pieces that are not only innovative, but emotionally resonant; designed to be lived with, used daily, and cherished as true pieces of art. Through these two new Editions, we proudly reaffirm Lexon's mission as a Maison de Design Française: to make timeless, high-quality design accessible to all, offering everyday objects that elevate life through beauty and purpose," says Boris Brault, CEO of Lexon. Exclusive, Certified Authenticity Each piece is engraved with Jeff Koons' signature under its front paws and comes with a certificate of authenticity. To further solidify its exclusivity, both the certificate and the packaging feature a hologram, reinforcing authentication and enhancing its collectible value. The Balloon Dog Speaker and Balloon Dog Lamp are produced in a limited supply, with pre-orders starting exclusively on beginning June 17 2025. Shipping for pre-orders will start in October 2025. An Immersive Journey Through Augmented Reality To further elevate this artistic and technological experience, Lexon has unveiled an augmented reality (AR) feature that allows everyone to preview the Balloon Dog Lamp and Balloon Dog Speaker directly in their own space. This immersive tool enables users to visualize the pieces in real scale and context, bringing the essence of the collaboration into their homes and daily lives. By merging digital innovation with iconic design, the AR experience makes interacting with art more personal, accessible, and playful. A Historic Collaboration with The Broad and The Shop at The Broad As part of this collaboration, the Balloon Dog Speaker and Balloon Dog Lamp will be showcased for the first time at The Shop at The Broad on September 20, 2025, celebrating the museum's 10th anniversary. The Broad, home to the original Balloon Dog sculpture, continues its mission to democratize art, making it accessible and meaningful beyond gallery walls. This partnership with Lexon enables the fusion of cutting-edge technology with iconic art, providing the public with a tangible, everyday connection to Koons' creations. From September 20 to October 20 2025, the Balloon Dog Speaker and Balloon Dog Lamp will be available for an exclusive one-month sale at The Shop at The Broad, both in-store and online, offering visitors another unique opportunity to see and purchase these limited-edition pieces. First Pre-order Details Pre-order Launch: June 17, 2025, starting exclusively on Price: 750 $/€ per unit (Speaker or Lamp) Shipping Start: October 2025 Pre-order Limits: 2 units per product, per customer Worldwide Availability: Pre-orders available internationally About Lexon Since its foundation in 1991, Lexon has relentlessly pushed boundaries and created a difference in the world of design, all while staying true to its commitment of making small objects useful, beautiful, innovative, and affordable. Whether in home, office, leisure, or travel accessories, Lexon has established a unique relationship with creativity and partnered with the best designers around the world to create timeless collections of lifestyle products, sold at million pieces every year. Today, with more than 30 years of existence, +250 awards, collaborations with some of the most renowned designers, a retail presence in 90 countries across the Globe, Lexon has truly established itself as an iconic French design brand. About Jeff Koons Jeff Koons is a leading contemporary artist known for transforming everyday objects into bold, reflective sculptures that engage with art history and modern culture. Born in 1955 in York, Pennsylvania, he studied at the Maryland Institute College of Art and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Since his first solo exhibition in 1980, his work has been showcased globally in major institutions like MoMA, the Guggenheim, and Tate and of course, The Broad. Koons' iconic pieces, including Balloon Dog, Rabbit, and Puppy, explore themes of self-acceptance and transcendence. His monumental floral sculptures and mirror-finished stainless steel works challenge perceptions of materiality and craftsmanship. Honored internationally, Koons has received the Légion d'Honneur from France and the U.S. Department of State's Medal of the Arts. He has also contributed to cultural diplomacy and child protection efforts through the Koons Family International Law and Policy Institute. About The Broad The Broad's mission is to make contemporary art accessible to the widest possible audience. Founded in 2015 on Grand Avenue in downtown Los Angeles by philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad, the museum offers free general admission and presents an active program of special exhibitions and innovative live events, all within a landmark building designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro. The Broad is home to the Broad collection, one of the world's leading collections of postwar and contemporary art, which continues to grow as new artists and artworks are added. The museum is the headquarters of The Broad Art Foundation's worldwide lending library, which has been loaning collection works to museums around the world since 1984. An expansion of the museum will open before the 2028 summer Olympics in Los Angeles, creating even greater public access. View source version on Contacts Annabel Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Wire
Lexon and Jeff Koons Collaborate to Revolutionize Art with Technology
PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Lexon is proud to announce a historic collaboration with Jeff Koons, unveiling the Balloon Dog Speaker and Balloon Dog Lamp: two reimagined, sculptural objects that merge art and technology in an unprecedented way. These official editions envisioned with The Broad in Los Angeles bring the playful spirit of Koons' iconic art into homes worldwide. Pre-orders for this collection will be available starting June 17, 2025, exclusively on with limited supply. Lexon is proud to announce a historic collaboration with Jeff Koons, unveiling the Balloon Dog Speaker and Balloon Dog Lamp: two reimagined, sculptural objects that merge art and technology in an unprecedented way. Share A Transparent Fusion of Art and Function The Balloon Dog Speaker and Balloon Dog Lamp expand Jeff Koons' iconic Balloon Dog into new, everyday objects, using a high-quality translucent material that echoes its signature curves and captivating presence. Originally conceived in the 1990s, Koons' Balloon Dog is one of the most recognized symbols of contemporary art. Now, in partnership with Lexon, this masterpiece has been 'inflated' with technology, giving rise to functional and accessible objects. The transformation of Koons' Balloon Dog into a tech-powered object is a remarkable feat of engineering, with over 50,000 hours dedicated to perfecting every detail. Conceived as a true acoustic art piece equipped with Bluetooth 5.0 technology, the Balloon Dog speaker delivers 360° high-fidelity sound with exceptional richness and depth. Its enveloping soundscape is born from the harmonious alliance of six ultra-precise active drivers and four finely tuned passive radiators, meticulously crafted to elevate the low frequencies. Every note fills the space with rare sensory intensity, transforming each moment into a deeply immersive listening experience. Packed with built-in microphones, it supports hands-free calls through your connected device, offering a fun and practical way to enjoy your Balloon Dog Speaker. Thanks to True Wireless Stereo (TWS) technology, two Balloon Dog Speakers can be paired to create an expansive stereo soundstage, offering greater depth, and a more powerful audio presence. The Balloon Dog Lamp harnesses advanced multicolor lighting through nearly 400 integrated LEDs, delivering up to 200 lumens of brightness. It offers a wide selection of hues including warm and cold white, blue, magenta, green, orange, and more, allowing users to tailor the lighting to any setting. More than illumination, it offers a dynamic play of light, empowering users to shape the atmosphere and mood of any space with precision and elegance. With Lexon's proprietary 'Easy Sync' technology, the Balloon Dog Lamp offers a next-level lighting experience, allowing you to connect and synchronize an infinite number of Balloon Dog Lamps in color and brightness effortlessly. Whether placed in different corners of a room or side by side for a striking visual effect, the Balloon Dog Lamps instantly sync together, creating a perfectly coordinated ambiance. Both objects share the same sculptural dimensions of 11 inches / 28cm height and 2 pounds / 900 gr of technology are crafted for durability and everyday use. This collaboration merges artistic heritage with technological innovation, transforming an iconic artwork into functional design with purpose, presence, and everyday relevance. ' I'm excited about this new collaboration with Lexon, which has transformed Balloon Dog. The Balloon Dog Lamp has a wide range of vibrant colors, while the Balloon Dog Speaker surrounds us with immersive sound. The two objects are an exciting way for Balloon Dog to enter into our daily lives where art, design, and technology come together,' says Jeff Koons. 'Our creative alliance with Jeff Koons marks a historic moment for Lexon. It is both an honor and a milestone to bring together our passion for design and technology through a bold reimagining of Balloon Dog, one of the most iconic artworks of our time. This collaboration challenged us to go beyond form and function, crafting pieces that are not only innovative, but emotionally resonant; designed to be lived with, used daily, and cherished as true pieces of art. Through these two new Editions, we proudly reaffirm Lexon's mission as a Maison de Design Française: to make timeless, high-quality design accessible to all, offering everyday objects that elevate life through beauty and purpose," says Boris Brault, CEO of Lexon. Exclusive, Certified Authenticity Each piece is engraved with Jeff Koons' signature under its front paws and comes with a certificate of authenticity. To further solidify its exclusivity, both the certificate and the packaging feature a hologram, reinforcing authentication and enhancing its collectible value. The Balloon Dog Speaker and Balloon Dog Lamp are produced in a limited supply, with pre-orders starting exclusively on beginning June 17 2025. Shipping for pre-orders will start in October 2025. An Immersive Journey Through Augmented Reality To further elevate this artistic and technological experience, Lexon has unveiled an augmented reality (AR) feature that allows everyone to preview the Balloon Dog Lamp and Balloon Dog Speaker directly in their own space. This immersive tool enables users to visualize the pieces in real scale and context, bringing the essence of the collaboration into their homes and daily lives. By merging digital innovation with iconic design, the AR experience makes interacting with art more personal, accessible, and playful. A Historic Collaboration with The Broad and The Shop at The Broad As part of this collaboration, the Balloon Dog Speaker and Balloon Dog Lamp will be showcased for the first time at The Shop at The Broad on September 20, 2025, celebrating the museum's 10th anniversary. The Broad, home to the original Balloon Dog sculpture, continues its mission to democratize art, making it accessible and meaningful beyond gallery walls. This partnership with Lexon enables the fusion of cutting-edge technology with iconic art, providing the public with a tangible, everyday connection to Koons' creations. From September 20 to October 20 2025, the Balloon Dog Speaker and Balloon Dog Lamp will be available for an exclusive one-month sale at The Shop at The Broad, both in-store and online, offering visitors another unique opportunity to see and purchase these limited-edition pieces. First Pre-order Details Pre-order Launch: June 17, 2025, starting exclusively on Price: 750 $/€ per unit (Speaker or Lamp) Shipping Start: October 2025 Pre-order Limits: 2 units per product, per customer Worldwide Availability: Pre-orders available internationally About Lexon Since its foundation in 1991, Lexon has relentlessly pushed boundaries and created a difference in the world of design, all while staying true to its commitment of making small objects useful, beautiful, innovative, and affordable. Whether in home, office, leisure, or travel accessories, Lexon has established a unique relationship with creativity and partnered with the best designers around the world to create timeless collections of lifestyle products, sold at million pieces every year. Today, with more than 30 years of existence, +250 awards, collaborations with some of the most renowned designers, a retail presence in 90 countries across the Globe, Lexon has truly established itself as an iconic French design brand. About Jeff Koons Jeff Koons is a leading contemporary artist known for transforming everyday objects into bold, reflective sculptures that engage with art history and modern culture. Born in 1955 in York, Pennsylvania, he studied at the Maryland Institute College of Art and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Since his first solo exhibition in 1980, his work has been showcased globally in major institutions like MoMA, the Guggenheim, and Tate and of course, The Broad. Koons' iconic pieces, including Balloon Dog, Rabbit, and Puppy, explore themes of self-acceptance and transcendence. His monumental floral sculptures and mirror-finished stainless steel works challenge perceptions of materiality and craftsmanship. Honored internationally, Koons has received the Légion d'Honneur from France and the U.S. Department of State's Medal of the Arts. He has also contributed to cultural diplomacy and child protection efforts through the Koons Family International Law and Policy Institute. About The Broad The Broad's mission is to make contemporary art accessible to the widest possible audience. Founded in 2015 on Grand Avenue in downtown Los Angeles by philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad, the museum offers free general admission and presents an active program of special exhibitions and innovative live events, all within a landmark building designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro. The Broad is home to the Broad collection, one of the world's leading collections of postwar and contemporary art, which continues to grow as new artists and artworks are added. The museum is the headquarters of The Broad Art Foundation's worldwide lending library, which has been loaning collection works to museums around the world since 1984. An expansion of the museum will open before the 2028 summer Olympics in Los Angeles, creating even greater public access.
The Verge
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Verge
Lexon turned Jeff Koons' Balloon Dog sculptures into functional art.
The collaboration between Koons and Lexon Design sees the artist's most iconic creation turned into a wireless speaker with touch controls delivering 360-degree sound and a lamp that uses tubes filled with color-changing LEDs to recreate the appearance of neon lighting. Pricing isn't known, but both will only be available in limited quantities later this month and hopefully be much cheaper than the 10-foot Balloon Dog sculpture Koons sold in 2013 for $58 million. 1/3 Image: Lexon Design
San Francisco Chronicle
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
Can Jeff Koons take a joke? This Bay Area artist is about to find out
Sometimes, you hear an idea for an art project that's so smart and funny, you can't wait to see how it gets realized. That was how I felt when Santa Clara artist Kathy Aoki told me about her developing series 'Koons Ruins.' The Koons in question is one of the most famous living artists in the world: Jeff Koons. The 70-year-old has been ubiquitous in the art market since the 1980s, known for works that reference everyday objects — basketballs, action figures, barware — that he heightens by inflating their scale and adding a glossy, pop culture sheen. Even if you don't know his name, you might recognize his work: 'Balloon Dog' and 'Tulips' sculptures, both made to resemble the kind of twisty balloon creations made by clowns; his gargantuan 'Puppy,' covered in flowers and greenery; or 'Come Through With Taste — Myers's Dark Rum — Quote Newsweek,' a fake magazine advertisement. Koons calls himself 'an idea person' and is not involved in the actual fabrication of his work. Still, his art sells for millions of dollars and is in museum collections across the globe. 'Even if people aren't familiar with his work, they can recognize gross commercialism when they see it,' Aoki told me, quick to state that she does not hate Koons or all of his work. 'But when he talks, I can't tell if he's smiling to himself like he's pulled the wool over the eyes of all these institutional directors, investors and collectors, or if he really believes in the work that he's making.' With its commentary about the art market, collectors and blue chip art that Aoki brings to Koons' work, she goes much deeper than the artist himself. 'Koons Ruins' is currently getting a high-profile preview this month on the Salesforce Tower's 'Day for Night' video installation. Aoki's five-minute animation features giant chipmunks roosting on a buried balloon dog sculpture and tractors bearing the 'Koons Ruins' logo. In the finale, a balloon sculpture is tossed over a waterfall, rises, and then sinks into bubbles. The video runs most days beginning at midnight. What made me fall in love with the 'Koons Ruins' project is the storytelling. Aoki, 56, invented an art collector named Dorothea James who was so offended by Koons' work that she makes it her mission to buy as much of it as possible so she can destroy it. The wrecked pieces are eventually put on view at her estate, now dubbed 'Koons Ruins,' and opened to the public upon her death. 'She goes so far as to hire her own team of chemists to undo the proprietary coating that Jeff Koons has made for his sculptures,' Aoki explained of the character. 'I'm enjoying exploring her character more, and why she's taken it this far.' When I met Aoki at her room at the Hotel Del Sol during the Startup Art Fair San Francisco in April, she had transformed the space into a visitors' center for the nonexistent location with a topographic map of the imagined art park, peepholes where you could see images of degraded Koons art, animation and even an audio tour. I laughed at installations that rated different Koons works for their level of offensiveness. I browsed the 'gift shop' with its T-shirts featuring crossed out balloon dog 'Koons Ruins' logos. Aoki is currently a fellow at the Lucas Artists Residency Program at Montalvo Arts Center in Saratoga and will be working a San Francisco residency at the Space Program in the fall. But the biggest supporter of her project is the New York-based nonprofit Creative Capital, which gave Aoki a $50,000 grant for the project this year. While Aoki has previously dipped into the pool of pop culture commentary and large-scale art with pieces like her 'Gwen Stefani Grand Burial Exhibition' (2009-16) and her 'Hello Kitty Monument' (2012-20), she is in new legal territory with Koons. Because her work references existing work by the living and notoriously litigious artist, she is carefully navigating how much of his works she can depict and how. Showing images she's created of Koons' art in various stages of decay have so far felt safe, she said, but she remains cautious. Aoki knows of the 2011 cease and desist letter San Francisco gallery Park Life received from Koons after selling bookends in the shapes of balloon dogs. (Koons himself has been the subject of at least four copyright infringement lawsuits.) But one of the benefits of Aoki's Creative Capital grant is access to lawyers who will advise her of her legal rights as an artist. Aoki's hope is that she can use the grant to create large, 'immersive scenes' that will pay homage to her practice as a print maker while also using two-dimensional elements. Eventually, however, she wants to take the narrative further. 'I would like to make a mockumentary film about the 'Koons Ruins,'' Aoki told me. 'There's just so many different elements of the story and approaches I'm excited about.'
