The Animal Balloon Rabbit (Violet) is an exceptionally optimistic piece, reminiscent of a balloon twisted by a clown at a birthday party. At the same time, it embodies the depth of archaic sculpture. The piece possesses an inner life, confirmed by the viewer's reflection on its reflective outer surface. The polished porcelain not only accentuates the piece's sexuality but also upholds Koons' unmistakable style element: überkitsch.

Why a rabbit? Koons explains, “It comes from my upbringing. I grew up in south-central Pennsylvania, in a rural community, and at special times of the year, people would put things out in their front yard for decoration, like reindeer at Christmas time. In the spring, around Easter time, there would be inflatable rabbits. I was always very struck by the generosity of the neighbors in doing that, giving pleasure to other people in that way.”

The Animal Balloon Rabbit is part of the Balloon Animals set, which includes three of his most iconic sculptures: a monkey, a swan and a rabbit.

Jeff Koons Balloon Animals sculptures have made their mark on contemporary art history. They are part of Jeff Koons' Celebration series, which includes works made between the 1990s and early 2000s, in stainless steel with special paints. With Celebration, Jeff Koons praises childhood: the balloons - whose lightness is only apparent - recall the carefreeness and simplicity of children. After auctioning off the stainless steel sculpture Balloon Dog at the highest price ever achieved for a living artist, Jeff Koons has created smaller versions of it, diversifying the colors and subject matter. Partnering with porcelain manufacturer Bernandaud, Koons combined excellent quality materials and innovative processes with a high level of craftsmanship to create dogs, monkeys, swans, Venuses and rabbits.

Jeff Koons says he is fascinated by balloon animals because of their resemblance to humans. "We are balloons. If you take a breath and inhale, it's optimism. You exhale, and it's kind of a symbol of death."