A New Balloon Sculpture Emerges, Challenging Jeff Koons’ Legacy
Title: Immersive Art Meets Inflatable Fantasy: CJ Hendry’s “Keff Joons” Takes Over Brooklyn
In a sprawling warehouse in Brooklyn’s Vinegar Hill, a whimsical, interactive art experience has ballooned—quite literally—into one of the season’s most talked-about exhibitions. CJ Hendry’s Keff Joons, an art installation made up of 50 massive inflatable sculptures tangled together into an oversized, climbable playground, blurs the lines between contemporary art, immersive play, and spectacle.
A VISUAL AND PHYSICAL FEAST
Measuring over 20 feet tall, the installation immediately engulfs visitors in a kaleidoscopic sea of vinyl. Vibrant colors—pink, blue, yellow, white—are fused into sinuous tentacles and bulbous shapes that are as much sculpture as they are an invitation to engage. Unlike the roped-off works of art in traditional museums, Keff Joons encourages tactile interaction as attendees of all ages climb, bounce, and tunnel through the air-filled structure.
The entire experience is as much about physicality as visuality. Foam-padded flooring ensures safety for visitors, many of whom remove their shoes and dive headfirst into the maze of inflatable art. The room fills quickly with laughter and squeaky vinyl noise, a sharp contrast to the sterile quiet of most galleries.
A PLAYFUL NOD TO KOONS?
Hendry has established herself as a master of hyperrealistic art, but with Keff Joons she ventures into installation, taking a playful jab at Jeff Koons and his iconic balloon dog motif. While Koons’s works are often critiqued for their lofty pricing and lack of substance, Hendry’s giant inflatables are dynamic, inclusive, and free to the public—provided you’re willing to wait in line.
Admission to Keff Joons is on a first-come, first-serve basis, resulting in long lines outside 50 Gold Street with average wait times around an hour for a 15-minute window of immersive fun. The show runs daily from 10 AM to 5 PM through April 20, creating an ephemeral buzzword that merges art, amusement, and Instagram-worthy moments.
ART FOR SALE—AND SOLD OUT
Despite the show’s public-facing playground aesthetic, Hendry hasn’t abandoned her meticulous studio craft. Surrounding the central installation are nine hyperrealistic balloon-themed drawings, priced between $48,990 and $220,000. These works, along with a limited-edition resin sculpture ($85,000) and fine art prints ($790), have already sold out completely, according to her website.
Adding to the carnival-like atmosphere, Hendry launched a merchandise line tied to the exhibition, offering branded silk scarves ($245), balloon packs ($45), magnets ($15), and enamel pins ($10), turning the art experience into a fully-loaded commercial operation.
LOGISTICS OF A LIVING EXHIBITION
Behind the playful exterior lies a rigorous daily operation. “The whole installation is cleaned every night; we deflate and re-inflate each balloon individually,” said Dylon Harbottle, Hendry’s studio director. That process takes between five and six hours, with additional routine reinflation every few days to maintain volume and shape.
Despite the physical demands of an inflatable environment, safety has thus far prevailed. Foam padding and staff supervision keep occasional tumbles from becoming anything serious.
CROWD REACTIONS: ADULTS AND CHILDREN ALIKE
The exhibition has proven not just to be a haven for art aficionados and critics, but also a popular destination for families and casual passersby. Rickina Brooks, 38, confessed she originally thought the installation would be “babyish,” but changed her mind after engaging with it. “I let my inner child out,” she said, smiling.
Jessica Ursino and her daughter Stella similarly found the experience unexpectedly enjoyable. “I didn’t think I would wanna climb and crawl through it—but I loved it,” Ursino said, watching her nephews swing from the inflatables.
ART AS EXPERIENCE IN THE SOCIAL MEDIA AGE
Keff Joons isn’t Hendry’s first foray into experiential art. Past projects included immersive Pantone-themed rooms, giant inflatable mazes, and even a swimming pool in the Las Vegas desert. Each project underscores Hendry’s ability to create visually arresting, participatory exhibits that are in conversation with social media culture and the growing movement toward democratized art experiences.
While commercial and crowd-pleasing, Hendry’s work still raises important questions about the nature of art in a consumer society—mainly, what role the viewer should play. If Keff Joons is any indication, Hendry’s answer is clear: dive in.
FINAL NOTE
CJ Hendry’s Keff Joons represents more than just spectacle—it’s a statement on accessibility, on tactile expression, and on art’s capacity to bring sheer joy. In an era where galleries strive