Jeff Koons at MALBA...

11:19 a.m.

28/01/16. In Miami Beach, collector Eduardo Constantini is developing a real state project with a plus: in the gardens there will be two sculptures by Jeff Koons.

One of them is Pluto & Proserpina which was done by Koons in 2010 in reference to the masterpiece by Gian Lorenzo Bernini on the kidnapping of Proserpina.

It is said that Bernini was 23 years old when Cardinal Scipione Caffarelli Borghese commissioned the work. The documents of that time (1621-1622) state that the statue should consist on a marble Proserpina being held by Pluto up high, and with a three-headed dog on the pedestal, showing some verses on the front. Two years later, Maffeo Barberini, then Pope Urban VIII, was so impressed by the work that he composes some verses inspired by it: "Oh, you that have leaned to pick up flowers, look at me, being taken to the house of cruel Pluto". This is way the best view point of the sculpture is that of the front, where you can read Maffeo Barberin's verses. Later studies on Bernini's sculpture proved that Pluto let go of his sceptre to vigorously rape the girl. She is trying to free herself, raising her hand to the sky, virtuously representing the words of Barberini's poem.

Pluto and Proserpina, de Jeff Koons (2010)

Mirror-polished stainless steel with transparent color coating and live flowering plants. Edition number 1 an adition of 3 plus 1 AP / Measures: 327,7 x 177,8 x 134,6 cm

Destination: Oceana Bal Harbour

The second sculpture by Jeff Koons to occupy the gardens in Miami is Ballerina: a mirrored-stainless steel figure of a seated ballerina, arranging her ballet flats.

Ballerina, de Jeff Koons (2015)

Mirror-polished high chromium stainless steel with transparent color coating / Measures: 210.82 x 197.21 x 106.68 cm

Edition of 3 - Destination: Oceana Bal Harbour

Currently, while the real state project is under construction, Pluto & Proserpina is on display at the Bal Harbour shopping in Miami Beach. The Ballerina will be exhibited at the MALBA in April. This will be the first time a Jeff Koons will be showcased on a public space in Argentina. The sculpture will be placed on the entrance terrace of the museum, which is usually reserved for Contemporary Art projects.