JEFF KOONS Michael Jackson and Bubbles 1995

This rare and highly collectible limited edition mid 1990s Jeff Koons print - pencil signed, dated and numbered by Koons, and published by Koons himself - depicts Koons famed porcelain sculpture, “Michael Jackson and Bubbles” - featuring Michael Jackson reclining with his pet chimpanzee, Bubbles. The two wear matching gold and white attire, and in certain areas the sculpture blurs the boundaries between the two bodies. Koons deeply admired Jackson, and this piece was his way of honoring the pop superstar. Koons has stated that he “wanted to create [Jackson] in a very god-like icon manner." In 2019 - the work is fascinating and collectible but perhaps for a different reason. Flash forward to today - nearly a quarter century after Koons made this work. It is worth pondering the very divergent fates of both controversial artists: Michael Jackson died prematurely of a drug overdose, and his legacy has been tarnished by a documentary film and other evidence giving credence to allegations of pedophilia. Meanwhile, Jeff Koons has achieved stratospheric worldly success as an artist: in May, 2019, one of his works sold for $91+ million dollars - smashing all previous records and anointing him the most expensive living visual artist. 

This print was created in a gold and pink edition; the present work being the pink. The vintage, almost sepia tone, in retrospect, creates a nostalgic look and an inadvertent kind of social commentary . A remarkable, rare vintage Koons print and a terrific conversation piece for all the right and wrong reasons. Elegantly floated and framed in a wooden frame and ready to hang.
Offset lithograph in colors
27.5 x 39.5 in (69.85 x 100.33 cm)
Edition 34 of 50
Signed, dated and numbered in pencil on recto
34/50 edition
Image: 20 ½ x 32 in. (521 x 813 mm.)
Sheet: 27 ½ x 39 ¼ in. (698 x 997 mm.)
Frame: 30 x 41.5

 SIGNATURE

Signed and dated in pencil on recto (front)