Maybe. It’s a funny old world. Over the weekend, an art collector visiting the Art Wynwood art fair in Miami accidentally knocked over a $42,000 balloon sculpture by Jeff Koons (famous for his, well, balloon sculptures). The gallery owner says it was ‘heartbreaking’ to see the piece – one of only 799 – smash into a million pieces. Some art world observers might disagree. Jeff Koons is a bit of a divisive figure.
One person who posted about the incident is artist Stephen Gamson. He shared the post below, including video, calling it “one of the most crazy things I’ve ever seen.” I mean, it was someone knocking over a sculpture, but sure. In any case, Gamson tried to buy the shattered piece, now that this crazy story could be added to its provenance.
You can’t blame him for trying. Koons sculptures have sold for north of $90 million at auction.
There is precedent for a ‘destroyed’ art work increasing in value, with another balloon-themed piece.