“Nelson Automatic Cooker / Deep Fryer,” created by Jeff Koons in 1979, is a ready-made sculpture that falls under the Conceptual Art movement. It was produced in the United States. This piece exemplifies Koons’s pioneering approach during that era, where he challenged traditional art forms by using commonplace objects.
The artwork features an arrangement that prominently includes an automatic cooker and deep fryer, mounted in a minimalist, almost clinical presentation. Two vertically standing cylindrical tubes flank the central appliance, each containing what appear to be fluorescent lights, emphasizing the object’s modern and utilitarian design. The cooker itself is metallic with a combination of black and chrome finishes, housing a control panel with labeled dials and switches, adding to its functional aesthetic. The cords connected to the appliance underscore its status as an operative household device, further blurring the lines between everyday items and artistic expression.
