Koons, once again with Gagosian, makes a comeback for Frieze New York 2025, accompanied by the Green Goliath himself, Hulk.
Jeff Koons to Present Hulk Elvis Series at Frieze New York 2023
Jeff Koons, the renowned American artist, is set to present a selection of his Hulk Elvis series at Frieze New York 2023, four years after his departure from Gagosian. The exhibition, scheduled to run from May 7-11 at The Shed, will feature three sculptures from this iconic series, all of which are part of Koons' personal collection.
The Hulk Elvis series, created between 2004 and 2014, is a significant body of work that blends American pop culture with fine art. The series fuses the comic book hero Hulk with the iconic figure of Elvis Presley, drawing a conceptual bridge "between East and West" by likening the Hulk to Asian guardian gods.
The sculptures, such as Hulk (Organ), Hulk (Tubas), and Hulk (Dragon and Turtle), mimic the look of inflatable toys but are made from solid, heavy bronze and wood, often including surprising elements like working musical instruments (Hulk (Organ)). These visually striking, colorful, and high-energy sculptures push the boundaries of traditional sculpture by transforming familiar, commercial imagery into monumental, polished works of art.
Individual pieces from the series, such as Hulk (Tubas), have reportedly sold around $3 million. The series was featured prominently by the leading contemporary art gallery Gagosian, which recently resumed representation of Koons. Displayed at major fairs like Frieze New York, the Hulk Elvis sculptures have helped sustain Koons' reputation as a market-leading artist commanding multi-million dollar prices and significant exhibition placements worldwide.
Koons has overseen every aspect of the Frieze presentation, from selection to booth design, ensuring a cohesive presentation that will undoubtedly captivate visitors. The booth's pricing information has not been shared, but it is expected to be a significant point of discussion at the fair.
In the past, Koons has been involved in lawsuits and has experienced delayed commissions, but these challenges have not diminished the demand for his work. In fact, Koons' Rabbit (1986) remains the most expensive work sold at auction by a living artist, fetching $91.1 million in 2019.
The sculptures will be staged against a custom vinyl backdrop derived from the 2007 painting Triple Hulk Elvis III, further immersing visitors in the vibrant world of Koons' Hulk Elvis series. This exhibition promises to be a highlight of Frieze New York 2023, showcasing the enduring appeal and artistic innovation of Jeff Koons' work.
*Note: The information provided is based on the bullet points given and may not include all recent developments in Koons' career or personal life.
[1] The mention of working musical instruments in the sculptures is based on the bullet point provided, but it is unclear whether all sculptures in the Hulk Elvis series share this feature.
[2] The bullet points do not specify whether the switch from Pace Gallery to Pace Gallery was a typo or if it refers to a different event in Koons' career.
[3] The bullet points do not specify the exact role of the Hulk Elvis series in affirming Koons' status in the contemporary art market or the extent of its contribution to his reputation.
[4] The bullet points do not specify the geographical scope of the significant exhibition placements worldwide.
