Jeff Koons' Gazing Ball Paintings series represents a unique fusion of classical art with contemporary reflective spheres, creating an interactive viewer experience. This series, created between 2014 and 2015, involves the meticulous reproduction of masterpieces from the Western art canon, onto which Koons affixes a blue glass gazing ball. The inclusion of these balls adds a layer of depth and interactivity, as viewers see themselves and their surroundings mirrored alongside these iconic images​ (Jeff Koons)​.

The series was exhibited at the Gagosian Gallery in New York from November 9 to December 23, 2015, where Koons' reinterpretations brought a new dimension to well-known works from artists like Titian, El Greco, Courbet, and Manet. By placing the gazing ball in front of these images, Koons bridges the gap between painting and sculpture, urging a sensory perception akin to that of ancient times where art was experienced more holistically​ (Gagosian)​.

In creating this series, Koons engages in a dialogue with the past, addressing the power of artistic gesture through time. The gazing balls serve as a metaphysical link, connecting the viewer not only to the painting but also to a broader cultural history, fostering a real-time relationship with art. This innovative approach not only challenges traditional views of art but also highlights Koons' ongoing exploration of perception, reflection, and the role of the observer in the artistic experience​ (Gagosian)​.

The Gazing Ball Paintings series is a testament to Koons' ability to blend high culture with popular imagery, making profound statements about the nature of art, the act of viewing, and the passage of time. Through this series, Koons continues to push the boundaries of contemporary art, inviting viewers to reflect on their place within the historical and cultural fabric of art history​ (Pace Gallery)​.