Jeff Koons' Gazing Ball (Stool), crafted between 2013 and 2016, is a distinctive piece within his acclaimed Gazing Ball series. This work is composed of polychromed stainless steel, wood, glass, and aluminum, measuring 13 1/4 x 13 1/4 x 40 1/16 inches (33.66 x 33.66 x 101.76 cm). The series, known for integrating reflective blue gazing balls with various objects, seeks to engage the viewer in a direct and personal manner, encouraging self-reflection and interaction with the artwork (Jeff Koons) (Jeff Koons).
The Gazing Ball series, including the Stool, is part of Koons' broader exploration of perception, participation, and the role of the observer in the creation of art's meaning. By incorporating the gazing ball, a familiar decorative object from suburban lawns, Koons elevates everyday items to the status of fine art, while also inviting viewers to see themselves and their surroundings reflected in the work. This series reflects Koons' interest in the concept of transcendence through art, emphasizing the importance of the viewer's experience and the transformative power of seeing oneself in relation to the artwork (Jeff Koons).
Gazing Ball (Stool), like other works in the series, has been exhibited and recognized in significant art contexts. It was showcased at the Almine Rech Gallery in London from October 4, 2016, to January 21, 2017, highlighting its importance within Koons' oeuvre and its appeal to both critics and the broader public. The piece, along with the entire Gazing Ball series, represents Koons' ongoing exploration of the intersection between art, objecthood, and viewer engagement, further cementing his position as a pivotal figure in contemporary art (Jeff Koons) (Jeff Koons).