Public Art Installation To Raise Awareness of Children Safety

The 45 feet high inflatable nylon sculpture will be hosted by Tishman Speyer at Rockefeller Centre U.S. from 12 May 2017 to 2 June 2017. It depicts a seated ballerina from the artist’s iconic Antiquity series.

Often referencing historical imagery and found objects, Jeff’s Seated Ballerina is based on a small porcelain figurine. The sculpture acts as a contemporary iteration of the goddess Venus and symbolises notions of beauty and connectivity. The work aims to bring awareness to National Missing Children‘s Month this May 2017, in an effort to support organisations like the International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children (ICMEC) that work tirelessly to create a safer world for children.

“It’s a pleasure to work with Kiehl’s and Art Production Fund on this charitable project. This partnership will increase awareness and help the International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children make the world a safer place for children,” said Jeff Koons. “I hope the installation of Seated Ballerina at Rockefeller Centre offers a sense of affirmation and excitement to the viewer to reach their potential. The aspect of reflectivity emulates life’s energy, it’s about contemplation and what it means to be a human being. It’s a very hopeful piece.”

“We have enjoyed a great relationship with Jeff Koons, starting with Puppy and recently with Split Rocker, which were both a tremendous success,” said Rob Speyer, President and CEO, Tishman Speyer. “It’s an honour to work with the Art Production Fund and Kiehl’s and bring Jeff’s art back to Rockefeller Centre. Seated Ballerina promises to offer one of those unforgettable New York experiences that will be remembered for years to come.”

“We are honoured to work with Jeff Koons, Kiehl’s and Tishman Speyer to present Seated Ballerina at Rockefeller Centre,” said Casey Fremont, Executive Director of Art Production Fund. “We believe in the power of collaboration and we are thrilled to present a public art project that raises awareness of the urgent need to protect children worldwide.”

In honour of National Missing Children’s Month, Koons has also created a limited edition Seated Ballerina tin for the Midnight Recovery Collection. Throughout May 2017, Kiehl’s will donate 100% of its net profits from the collection to directly benefit ICMEC. The installation highlights the longstanding relationship Kiehl’s has forged with Jeff Koons and ICMEC since 2011. Art Production Fund has also worked on a number of projects with Koons since 2009, donating a portion of sales from its Works on Whatever Collection to ICMEC.

“We’re thrilled to continue what’s become a Kiehl’s tradition of partnering with Jeff Koons,” said Chris Salgardo, President, Kiehl’s USA. “With more than 465,000 reports of missing children last year in the United States alone, it’s gratifying to know that via this fourth partnership with Koons and the International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children, we are able to make a difference in the lives of our children.”

“ICMEC is proud and honoured to partner with our long term friend and Board member, the great American artist Jeff Koons and with the iconic Kiehl’s Since 1851, in a campaign that raises awareness and supports our efforts to make the world a safer place for all children, ” says Maura Harty, President and CEO ICMEC.

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