One of the most mind-boggling news of recent times is the phone bid made by Stephen A. Wynn (Steve Wynn) over Jeff Koons’ Tulips, during November 2012. The fabled casino mogul and collector magnate had reportedly decided to pay a whopping $33.6 million for the artwork, a massive steel and chromium bouquet of multi-colored tulips. This has set a new Christie’s auction record for the artist.
Even though this rather interesting bouquet of twisted balloon flowers cast in steel, polished to a glaring finish and plated in a wide spectrum of tones will definitely be an eye-catcher for the Wynn Theater rotunda, in Las Vegas, I still don’t quite understand the reason of such a huge amount of cash.
The Celebration series, signed Jeff Koons, has the “Tulips” as its main artwork, consisting of five unique versions. It is, at the same time, one of Koons’ most massive and complex operas, paradoxically appearing to be both weightless and extremely heavy at the same time. Practically, the artist has used a disturbing 3 tons of steel for this sculpture.
Steve Wynn describes: “Many people believe that Jeff Koons is one of the most important living artists on canvas and in sculpture in the world today. I’m happy to be one of those people and particularly delighted to share with our guests his magnificent creation of the Tulips sculpture, which is now gracing the intersection of Wynn and Encore in our resort, near our showroom lobby. If you see them, you will find the experience totally delicious.”
In the end, this stunning sculpture will reportedly go on view at Wynn’s new resort in Macao, on the Cotai Strip, due to be completed around 3 years from now. Enjoy the overpriced beauty of Koons’ work – the most expensive living artist alive.
[BornRich]
