New York’s contemporary art scene has a new must-see, and it’s as playful as it is thought-provoking. Australian hyperrealist artist Cj Hendry unveiled her latest exhibition, Keff Joons, this past Thursday, turning heads — and twisting art world expectations — with a show that parodies the balloon sculptures made famous by American artist Jeff Koons.
Currently open to the public in the Dumbo neighbourhood of Brooklyn until April 20, Keff Joons transforms the exhibition space into a vibrant, larger-than-life playground. The centrepiece? Fifty oversized, chaotic “balloon knot” sculptures that fill the gallery and invite visitors to weave through, interact with, and photograph. The installation captures the playful spirit of childhood while nudging audiences to reflect on deeper themes such as joy, nostalgia, and the fleeting nature of life.
“Balloons are so simple, yet they carry this enormous emotional weight—joy, nostalgia, fragility. I love that they float so effortlessly, but at any moment, they can pop,” Hendry explained in an official statement. True to her immersive, humour-infused approach, the artist uses scale and interactivity to create a surreal environment where light-hearted visuals meet a sharp, self-aware critique of contemporary art culture.
A Whimsical Tribute to Joy and Nostalgia
The show’s title, Keff Joons, is a playful spoonerism of Koons’ name, underlining Hendry’s tongue-in-cheek homage. Each piece exaggerates the glossy, balloon-like forms that Koons popularised, but with an added sense of chaos and intentional impermanence — qualities that poke fun at the polish and perfection associated with traditional fine art sculptures.
While the installation draws inspiration from childhood wonder, the oversized balloon knots also encourage visitors to consider the ephemeral nature of happiness and material beauty. The interaction between viewers and the towering balloon-like forms shifts the typical gallery experience from passive observation to active engagement.
Limited Editions and Merch Add to the Fun
Though all of the original works from Keff Joons have already been sold, visitors and collectors still have the chance to bring a piece of the experience home. Hendry has released ten limited-edition prints, with 100 copies of each available for purchase. Alongside these artworks, the artist has curated a playful selection of merchandise that extends the exhibition’s irreverent tone into everyday objects.
Fans can shop a variety of souvenirs on-site, including graphic t-shirts, embroidered caps, enamel pins, magnets, balloon kits, silk scarves, and even themed colouring books — all designed to capture the whimsy of the show. This blend of high art and light-hearted collectibles mirrors Hendry’s signature fusion of pop culture and fine art, appealing to seasoned collectors and casual art lovers alike.
Cj Hendry: Keff Joons runs daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET at 50 Gold Street, Brooklyn, until April 20. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply in search of an unforgettable visual experience, Hendry’s balloon-filled world offers a thoughtful — and thoroughly entertaining — escape from the ordinary.
