Jeff Koons' "Popeye (Granite)" is an intriguing piece that further expands the artist's exploration of iconic pop culture figures through high art. Created between 2009 and 2012, this work is part of Koons' broader engagement with the character of Popeye, which includes several sculptures made from different materials. Unlike its stainless steel counterpart, "Popeye (Granite)" is crafted from granite and includes live flowering plants, combining the permanence and gravitas of the stone with the ephemeral and vibrant life of the plants. This sculpture measures 78 x 52 3/8 x 28 3/8 inches (198.1 x 133 x 72.1 cm) and is part of an edition of three plus an artist's proof​ (Jeff Koons)​.

The use of granite, a material that historically connotes durability and monumentality, juxtaposed with the playful and cartoonish figure of Popeye, creates a complex dialogue between the enduring and the transient, the classical and the contemporary. The addition of live plants introduces a layer of organic growth and decay, which contrasts with the static and unchanging nature of the sculpted granite. This dynamic interplay further exemplifies Koons' ability to challenge and redefine the boundaries of traditional sculpture through the incorporation of unconventional materials and themes.

"Popeye (Granite)" has been showcased in significant exhibitions, highlighting its importance within Koons' body of work and its impact on contemporary art discourse. It was featured in "Jeff Koons: A Retrospective" at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York from June 27 to October 19, 2014, among other notable venues​ (Jeff Koons)​. This inclusion in major retrospectives signifies the sculpture's role not only within Koons' oeuvre but also within the broader context of postmodern art, where it stands as a testament to the artist's ongoing exploration of the intersections between popular culture, art history, and material innovation.