miv001 – Sculpture 1 – ARTD150

Jeff Koons (Izzy Villalba)

Immediate Response
After finding the “Balloon Swan (Magenta)” I was struck by its unique form. The bright pink color drew me in, and I was struck by the reflective nature of the piece.

Objective Description
Jeff Koons, “Balloon Swan (Magenta)” consists of high chromium stainless steel molded in the shape of a balloon animal. There is a transparent color coating on top. The structure has a reflective surface and acts as a mirror for those walking past. Unlike a regular mirror, it distorts reality by changing both the size and color of the image being presented. “Balloon Swan (Magenta)” is almost 12 feet tall.

Technical Decisions
Koons used chromium stainless steal, an uncommon material to recreate a well known material, balloons. The scale of “Balloon Swan (Magenta)” creates importance and gives the object power. Ordinarily one would not have the same experience with a real balloon animal, especially one that is pink. Koons also created the same swan in five unique versions. Each one is a different color such as blue, violet, yellow and red.

The Work in the World
As I mentioned above, “Balloon Swan (Magenta)” is a direct reminder of a balloon animal given to children at birthday parties and the circus. They symbolize youth, playfulness and inferiority. Such toys do not last long and are usually forgotten about after a few days. “Balloon Swan (Magenta)” changes the definition balloon animals. “Balloon Swan (Magenta)” is a lasting sculpture which instills power, yet still manages to possess the child playfull nature.

The Story it Tells
Koons message behind “Balloon Swan (Magenta)” is the celebration of childhood. “Balloon Swan (Magenta)” is in the shape of a balloon animal given to children; however, “Balloon Swan (Magenta)” serves a completely different purpose and gives off a different effect. Because of its large size, “Balloon Swan (Magenta)” seems powerful, and because of its stainless steal material, it seems sturdy.

Lance Armstrong

Lance Armstrong was a professional road racing cyclist, who won the Tour de France seven consecutive times. Years before, Armstrong developed stage three cancer and was said to have less than a 40% chance of survival. Needless to say, Armstrong recovered and went on to start the Livestrong Foundation to support other cancer patients. He helped the foundation raise over $500 million and serve 2.5 million people affected by cancer. Recently, Armstrong confessed to doping and was stripped from all seven of his titles. I am conflicted in my stance towards Armstrong. Growing up, I have always admired Armstrong for his intense dedication and commitment. From it, he overcame cancer and created a wonderful foundation which helps many people. However, it led to his ultimate downfall of taking performance enhancement steroids. Through this, he cheated and lied to millions of people. His honesty in coming clean, was noble but cost Armstrong his entire career and ruined his reputation. He is best known for his use of drugs rather his drive and perseverance in both athletics (pre-doping) and through his cancer treatment. In my research I learned that even as a kid, Armstrong was an extremely talented athlete. He won the Iron Kids Triathlon when he was 13 years old, and became a professional triathlete when he was 16 years old. I am most drawn to the pressure Armstrong felt to succeed. In an interview, he said, “I lied because you wouldn’t like me if you knew I was cheating and you wouldn’t have let me keep winning. I love to win, and you loved it when I won.” This is a fundamental problem that all humans struggle with. At times we are tempted to take the easy way out and look for a short cut in order to do well. It is clear that Armstrong deeply regret’s his decision. In my sculpture I hope to show his regret through his facial expressions and his inner conflict with good and evil.

“The Aquatic Uncle” (Izzy)

When reading “The Aquatic Uncle” by Calvino, I was most drawn I the theme of alienation. It is clear that Qfwfq, a young creature of the sea does not want to transform into a land creature. He instead wants to stay as a creature of the sea and live in water. Despite what he believes, he follows the rest of the family to the dry land and learns how to rotate his fins to use as paws. The only fish who stays in the water is Qfwfq’s ungce, N’ba N’ga. In the process he becomes alienated from those around him. His entire family left to go on land without him. This theme of alienation is very prevalent theme in our society today. We can all think of a time in which we have been alienated and relate to N’ba N’ga. Calvino draws from human issues in “The Aquatic Uncle” which enriches the store, making it relatable for readers just by giving emotions to these creatures. I was most surprised by the ending. When reading “The Aquatic Uncle”, I did not expect LII to leave behind everything to go and live with N’ba N’ga in the water. This demonstrates her strength and bravery for her to follow her heart and be with N’ba N’ga. When LII decided to go back to the sea she was told “Why, you’re crazy! Nobody can turn back!”. She was not encouraged to leave her family and friends behind but did so anyway. This was a difficult life changing decision that she had to make. This is another theme that we can relate to. We have all made life changing decisions and understand how difficult it can be. It is admirable that despite what everyone thought, LII stayed true to her love and left to be with N’ba N’ga. The theme that Calvino uses of alienation and making life-changing decisions resonated the most with me.