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Popism

Jeff Koons, Three ball 50/50 tank (Spalding Dr JK Silver series), 1985

Focus work

Jeff Koons
USA 1955–
Three ball 50/50 tank (Spalding Dr JK Silver series) 1985
glass, steel, distilled water, three basketballs
Courtesy Murderme © Jeff Koons

In the early 1980s, Jeff Koons captured the public’s attention with his displays of banal, everyday objects. The simple appearance of Three ball 50/50 tank belies its symbolism: the artist considers the basketballs as surrogates for the self. Initially suspended in equilibrium, they will eventually move and decay, reminding us of the impermanent nature of happiness, stability and, ultimately, life.

Koons deliberately references a sport often used by urban, working-class youths as a path for upward social mobility. His parallel message is that the middle classes use art in much the same way.

See also

This work also appears in the adult audio guide, available for rent, and in the children’s labels.

Issues for consideration

  • This work is part of the series Equilibrium, in which Koons sought to address notions of happiness, stability and life. Research other works in this series. How do they reference these ideas? What is the role of the readymade in this series?
  • Appropriation plays a significant role in art of the 1980s. Artist Philip Brophy reflected at this time ‘not all so-called “image scavangers” operate along strict lines of theft: some embrace their images, some are seduced by them, some analyse them, some prevent them.’ How is this quote relevant to the way Koons approaches artmaking?
  • Andy Warhol greatly influenced the artists of the 1980s. What elements of Warhol’s art practice can be seen in the artmaking of this time? Are there Warhol references in Three ball 50/50 tank? Is there an artist who particularly influences your own work? Create a body of work that specifically reflects their influence, and discuss how that influence is evident in the work.