Photographer's Note
Gazing Ball (Silenus with Baby Dionysus) 2013
Plaster and glass - 202.2 x 86.4 x 85.4 cm
At the Jeff Koons retrospective exhibition in Asmolean, a separate room was set up with a number of works from the Gazing Ball series.
This series consists of 35 works in which Koons uses copies of 35 masterpieces from art history and provides them with a blue glossy Gazing Ball. He invites the viewer to look at the artwork in a new way.
The information signs next to the artworks say the following about this:
“People are going to have their own perceptions. They will look at things differently. They will look at thinks differently. I think looking at art, the way people respond to it, gives a kind of view into how open people are to the world around them. And if they’re closed about really exposing themselves to a painting or to a sculpture then you can imagine they’re probably relatively closed to other experiences.”
“Reflections affirms the viewer. It affirms the right here, right now, and from that point you can start to time travel. You can play with metaphysics.”
Koons found the inspiration for this series in the Gazing Balls, mirrored spherical ornaments frequently found on lawns, gardens, and patios around his childhood home in Pennsylvania.
These baubles were specially hand-blown in Pennsylvania – Koons commissioned 350 and picked the best 35. “Each one’s unique,” he says.
Silenus with Baby Dionysus
“In Greek mythology Silenus was a satyr who bacame the tutor and companion to Dionysus, god of wine.
This statue, or copies of it, have multiplied across the world over 2000 years since it was created, supposed by Praxiteles, the greatest of classical Greek sculptors. Several copies were made in Roman times, and casts of the work have proliferated over the centuries so that Silenus can be spotted in galleries and parks all over Europe and the United States.” (Info Asmolean)
This time again I start my series with a detail picture and zoom out in the following pictures
■ Picture 1: ◄ The feet of the Dionysus ► https://i1.trekearth.com/photos/15099/te861-1.jpg
■ Picture 2: ◄ The head of Silenus ► https://i1.trekearth.com/photos/15099/te861-2.jpg
■ Picture 3: ◄ Silenus with Baby Dionysus ► https://i1.trekearth.com/photos/15099/te861-3.jpg
If you want to see all the works of art in this series or want to know more about this exhibition, you can use the following links:
http://www.jeffkoons.com/artwork/gazing-ball-sculptures
http://www.jeffkoons.com/artwork/gazing-ball-paintings
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2015/nov/09/jeff-koons-gazing-ball-paintings-its-not-about-copying
https://hyperallergic.com/436913/jeff-koons-gazing-ball-destroyed/
Royaldevon, Fis2, holmertz, jean113, pierrefonds, jhm, ikeharel, pajaran, ChrisJ, ktanska, tyro, tyro, GyurMaster, COSTANTINO έχουν(ει) επιλέξει αυτή τη σημείωση ως χρήσιμη
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Royaldevon
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 9446 W: 372 N: 21865]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-g-g.gif){kind=small}
(85932) 2020-06-21 1:49
Hello Rob,
After reading your notes, it felt like going on an adventure to see the series of photographs.
Each one is beautifully photographed and different in its viewpoint.
This one is definitely my favourite!
For me, this one allows more involvement by the viewer, which I gather is the purpose of the art.
The crop is perfect, the textures smooth but the view into the glass globe is like moving into a different space!
Have a great Sunday,
Bev :-)
lousat
(139236) 2020-06-21 2:39
Hi Rob,this is a great idea! Another amazing report about Koons,and obviously a very useful post. A room dedicated to this series of copies of old and famous stastues of the past with a special bonus as colorful balls coming from USA.A very unique artist,surely nice to see,i like it! Have a nice Sunday and thanks,Luciano
Fis2
(170717) 2020-06-21 3:33
Witaj Rob!
A very curious "Gazing Ball"
Excellent reflection makes impression.
Good POV, colors and sharpness.
TFS.
Nice sunday.
Krzysztof
Silvio1953
(221563) 2020-06-21 4:10
Ciao Rob, an other oroiginal artwork from you, great view of fantastic ball, beautiful reflections, splendid light, excellent clarity and wonderful colors, very well done, my friend, ciao Silvio
holmertz
(102672) 2020-06-21 4:11
Hello Rob,
Maybe I would have to stand in front of one of these sculptures or paintings to be fully able to appreciate the value of the gazing ball. I understand the idea, from reading your note and the story from The Guardian, but seeing them in photos I mainly wonder if the blue balls would distract me from looking at the sculpture/painting. Or maybe that is exactly the intention: to make me and my surroundings become parts of the art, which is only a copy anyway. Your three photos are in any case fascinating and I really would have liked to know what the person in #3 was thinking.
Best wishes,
Gert
jean113
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 2325 W: 0 N: 7259]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-n-g.gif){kind=small}
(27853) 2020-06-21 4:40
Hello Rob, thank you for this introduction to this particular work by Jeff Koons; it makes me want to see more.
Your notes are very interesting and informative.
Looking at this main post before opening up the w/ s pictures, I had no idea what to expect next!
You have created a fascinating shot. I think that Jeff Koons would be impressed by your interpretation of his work.
Many thanks for sharing, regards Jean.
pierrefonds
(114422) 2020-06-21 4:52
Hi Rob,
You have captured well the reflection of the gazing ball. The point of view is showing the details of the reflections. It is clear and sharp. Have a nice day.
Pierre
jhm
(211736) 2020-06-21 6:32
Goedemiddag Rob,
Het enige wat ik niet vond was de fotograaf op den bol.
De blauwe kleur en de lichtpunten zorgen voor een mooie schakering.
Goed foto werk, bedankt.
Prettige zondag namiddag,
John
ikeharel
(113319) 2020-06-21 6:56
Stunning blue color of the ball (crystal ball...?), Rob, and no-less attractive is the white sculture itself.
the reflection upon the ball shows well the statue itself and the sight of the hall it was erected in.
Have a nice neqw week,
Ike
pajaran
(115861) 2020-06-21 10:08
Pozdrav.
Interesantani pogledi, dobar tekst ...
Lepa velika, plava kugla i skulptura. Lep refleks na kugli.
Lepo pokazano, dobro uhvacen trenutak.
Dobra ideja i realizacija lepim fotografijama.
Zelim vam sve najbolje.
Paja.
Greeting.
Interesting views, good text ...
Beautiful big, blue ball and sculpture. Nice reflex on the ball.
Nicely shown, well captured moment.
Good idea and realization with beautiful photos.
I wish you all the best.
Miguel82
(47110) 2020-06-21 10:27
Hallo Rob, the marine ball contrasts with the white sculptures. They represent Silenus and the baby Dionysus. The ball is placed on the adult shoulder. It reflects what is around it like a mirror. Fine colors, good sharpness, regards.
ChrisJ
(171822) 2020-06-21 10:46
Hello Rob,
The blue orb mimics the much larger sphere of planet Earth. A good exposure on the bright white marble with excellent sharpness and framing. Tfs!
ktanska
(44758) 2020-06-21 11:06
Hi Rob,
Bot Jeff Koons and you teach us to look at art differently. So do wonder the result is wonderful. The focus is perfectly on the blue ball and reflections are clear despite the dark blue tone.
Kari
Tue
(92328) 2020-06-21 13:47
Hallo Rob,
Een mooie combinatie van zo'n grote spiegelende bol in de handen van zulke klassieke beelden. De ruimte wordt prachtig gespiegeld en heeft van Jeff een heel mooie, intense blauwe gloed meegekregen.
Lars
emka
(158128) 2020-06-21 23:34
Hello Rob, With the sculpture, we have many possibilities to present it. I like most the Workshop with the guy looking at this piece of art. The ball in the main picture is a bit too dark to see the interesting reflections. The idea to add something to the existing work reminds me of the funny views of known paintings but in the corona times, like Mona Lisa in the mask.
Best regards MAlgo
jemaflor
(147104) 2020-06-21 23:39
hi Rob,
Interesting artwork, well photographed, impressive and beautiful colors contrast, excellent with reflections, tfs.
rychem
(72187) 2020-06-22 7:18
Amazing effect, a klassic style of the sculpture and an unexpected addition in the form of the ball, it is really surprising
very well presented
regards Ryszard
tyro
(30513) 2020-06-22 15:31
Hello Rob,
Three wonderful photographs of this spectacular artwork of which my favourite must be your main image because, like the others, it is superbly well composed and taken from a very well chosen viewpoint but, because the bauble is larger in this image, so can we see far more detail not only of the intimacy between Dionysus and Silenus but also of other displays and people within the gallery.
Fabulous!
Take care and stay safe.
Kind Regards,
John.
P.S. What I also found interesting was that you mentioned that these baubles were "blown" - so I presume that these spheres are of coloured glass and not polished and coated stainless steel as with the artworks you showed in your previous photographs.
abmdsudi
(95869) 2020-06-23 2:45
Hi Rob
The striking blue gazing ball is as pretty as a picture and a lot to take in than first meets the eye !! It so very different but quite a splendid image full of intrigue and tx to your in-depth narratives. Fascinating reflections and distortions in the glass, this must have been tricky not to get yourself in the picture. The viewpoint works fine with good scale ref and first rate exposure control. Excellent capture
Best regards
GyurMaster
(24818) 2020-07-01 6:59
Dear Rob,
A simple, yet excellent observation and result. I really like the strong contrast between the statue and the vivid, blue ball.
Best Wishes,
Gy.
jmdias
(115128) 2020-07-10 9:43
rob
I liked more the last WS, the other WS was more informative and the main post is more "breaking the ideas". I liked the images but I am not sure about how creative the jobs were. Imagine if I had put a pail in the head of this sculpture it would be "agressive" if I put a big necklace of red pearls around it would be funny, but this would be really creative art?
take care
jorge
COSTANTINO
![Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 11498 W: 23 N: 18588]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-s-g.gif){kind=small}
(116452) 2020-08-26 21:54
Hello dear friend and have a nice day
great contrast between the blue and the white
our photos bring your personal inspiraion
and your personal stamp
welldone
regards
Costantino
Photo Information
-
Copyright: Rob Zwemmer (alvaraalto)
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 5631 W: 329 N: 10921]](//i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-g-g.gif)
(42804) - Genre: Τοποθεσίες
- Medium: Έγχρωμο
- Date Taken: 2019-06-07
- Camera: Sony DSC RX10 III
- Έκθεση: f/0.1, 1/21 δευτερόλεπτα
- Έκδοση φωτογραφίας: Πρωτότυπη έκδοση, Workshop
- Οδοιπορικό: England and Wales 2019
- Date Submitted: 2020-06-21 1:17
