Crystal Bridges Museum adds new Koons sculpture

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art recently acquired the Jeff Koons sculpture, Hanging Heart (Gold/Magenta), which was installed in the museum this week ahead of Valentine’s Day.

The bright gold heart, which measures some 9.5 feet wide, surmounted by an enormous magenta stainless steel ribbon, in now suspended from the ribbed ceiling of one of the museum’s eponymous glass-walled bridges.

Hanging Heart (Gold/Magenta) is a massive, high chromium mirror-polished stainless steel heart sculpture, which is one of five unique versions created by Koons, each with a different transparent color coating. It is the only one, however, that was retained by the artist until sold directly to Crystal Bridges in 2013.

"Hanging Heart, ultimately, is a symbol of warmth, humanity, spirituality, and romance," Koons said. “I’m thrilled to have this major piece in a location in the U.S. where the sculpture will interact with the public. It offers an opportunity for many people to view the work in a space that has a sense of not only romantic but also spiritual transcendence.”

Crystal Bridges President Don Bacigalupi said many think of Koons as the heir to the Warhol legacy, advancing the tradition of Pop Art in taking everyday imagery into a much different realm.

“We're pleased to be able to share this sculpture with our guests,”Bacigalupi said.