The artwork, titled “Dugong,” was created by the artist Jeff Koons between 2020 and 2022 in Qatar. It is crafted from steel and belongs to the Neo-Pop Art movement. The piece is categorized as both an installation and a sculpture, embodying characteristics typical of Koons’ artistic expression.
The artwork features a large, reflective steel representation of a dugong, an aquatic mammal closely related to manatees, poised as though swimming above vibrant, stylized sea flora. The dugong’s metallic surface mirrors its surroundings, enhancing the surreal quality of the piece. The base, designed to mimic underwater plants, is rendered in bold, iridescent hues, contributing to the overall playful and vivid aesthetic. This distinctive combination of a highly polished finish and dynamic composition exemplifies Koons’ Neo-Pop Art style, reflecting themes of popular culture and contemporary artistry. The sizable installation is situated outdoors, set against a backdrop of greenery and modern architectural structures, offering a striking contrast and engaging the viewer within its vivid world.
