The project requires technological developments and the delays accumulate, leading the workshop to the brink of bankruptcy. In 2000 the edition of three monochrome works, Balloon flower, Balloon dog and Moon, validates the feasibility.
The other themes planned by Koons present additional difficulties that are gradually overcome. In 2004 Tulips is the first multi-color assembly, also in five different color versions. In the following year Diamond is two-colored.
In 2006 the workshop succeeds in producing complex shapes including the Hanging heart with its fragile ribbon. The magenta-gold version was sold for $ 23.6M including premium by Sotheby's on November 14, 2007.
Also in 2006 the Cracked egg split in two parts is the first installation. The overturned egg's top placed on the floor moves the artist who compares this work with the shell of the Birth of Venus by Botticelli.
The two elements 165 x 159 x 159 cm and 100 x 159 x 159 cm are empty with a silvery inner surface. The cracked edges have irregular shapes that would match together without gaps. The thinness of the walls is visible, contrary to all the previous themes, adding an impression of delicacy.
Cracked Egg (Magenta) was sold for £ 14M including premium by Christie's on February 13, 2014. Cracked Egg (Blue) is estimated £ 10M for sale by Christie's in London on October 4, lot 18. Please watch the video shared by Christie's.
unsold
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