Jeff Koons' "Titi (stainless)" is a fascinating work of art that combines meticulous craftsmanship with playful, nostalgic themes. Created between 2004 and 2009, this sculpture is part of a limited edition of three, plus an artist's proof. The work is executed in mirror-polished stainless steel with a transparent color coating, measuring 96.2 x 60.5 x 37.8 cm (approximately 37 7/8 x 23 13/16 x 14 7/8 inches) (Jeff Koons).
"Titi" represents a significant feat of engineering and artistic vision, encapsulating the illusion of simplicity while embodying a complex creation process. Koons achieved a perfect mirror finish on the sculpture, which, despite its stainless steel medium, gives the impression of being a helium-inflated balloon. This illusion plays on the viewer's perception, transforming a seemingly ephemeral object into a permanent, durable form. The sculpture's creation involved a sophisticated engineering process, which, although labor-intensive, leaves no visible trace of the effort or the specifics of its manufacturing, presenting a flawless representation of the concept (Pinault Collection).
The work first emerged in Koons' "Popeye" series and stands as a testament to his long-standing fascination with inflatable objects, a theme that has been recurrent in his work since the late 1970s. "Titi" not only engages with the materiality of the work—juxtaposing the ephemeral nature of a balloon with the permanence of metal—but also plays with proportions and the hyperbolic character of the color and mirror effects. This results in a piece that exudes playful perfection and vibrancy, full of life and reminiscent of the joy found in childhood icons of American pop culture (Pinault Collection).
Koons’ sculpture serves as more than just a representation of the cartoon character Titi (also known as Tweety); it symbolizes the joy, the role of consumer objects in society, and the pervasive nature of imagery through tangible items. The bright, glossy finish of the toy-like sculpture contrasts with the rigid translation of its form, transforming the character into a modern-day kouros, evoking the dignity and stateliness of ancient statuary. "Titi" synthesizes several of Koons' recurring themes, making it one of his most iconic works and highlighting his ability to bridge the gap between high art and popular culture (Pinault Collection).
Exhibited alongside works by Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein at the Fondation Beyeler and having made appearances in various international exhibitions, "Titi" has been recognized as a pivotal piece within Koons' oeuvre. Its exhibitions have allowed for a wide audience to engage with Koons’ exploration of consumerism, aesthetics, and the concept of value in art (Jeff Koons).