description Michael Jackson and Bubbles Overview
Michael Jackson and Bubbles is a 1988 sculpture by American artist Jeff Koons depicting singer Michael Jackson with his pet chimpanzee, Bubbles. Made in porcelain with white, gold, and colored finishes, the nearly life-size composition presents the pair in matching clothing and a pose that recalls religious devotional sculpture. It belongs to Koons's Banality series, which examined celebrity, sentimentality, luxury materials, and imagery commonly associated with popular taste.
help Michael Jackson and Bubbles FAQ
Who made the Michael Jackson and Bubbles sculpture?
It was created by American artist Jeff Koons in 1988 as part of his Banality series. The series also included works like Pink Panther, all exploring kitsch and celebrity culture.
What is Jeff Koons' Michael Jackson and Bubbles made of?
It is a nearly life-size porcelain sculpture finished in white with gold and colored accents, showing Jackson and his chimpanzee in matching outfits. Porcelain was an unusual, deliberately kitsch material choice for sculpture at that scale.
How much did Michael Jackson and Bubbles sell for at auction?
A version sold at Sotheby's in New York in 2001 for about $5.6 million, which set a then-record price for a work by Koons. Other examples from the small edition sit in museum and private collections.
Was Bubbles a real chimpanzee?
Yes, Bubbles was Michael Jackson's real pet chimpanzee, kept by the singer from the mid-1980s. Koons' 1988 sculpture shows the pair seated together in matching outfits, blending celebrity portraiture with kitsch figurine traditions.
explore Explore More
Similar to Michael Jackson and Bubbles
compare_arrows Compare: Balloon Dog (Orange) See all arrow_forward
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
