Michael Archer's Book on Jeff Koons's One Ball Total Equilibrium Tank
Michael Archer's book examines Jeff Koons's 1985 sculpture One Ball Total Equilibrium Tank, in which a Spalding basketball floats in a glass tank on a black metal stand. Koons described the work as depicting 'the penultimate state of being'—a suspended state between death and life. The sculpture has been called a defining work of the 1980s, but also 'an endgame', 'misleading', and part of a 'repulsive' practice. Archer argues that this image of stillness captured the spirit of its day, situating the work within the 1980s art world where renewed attention to painting met Pop and appropriation art. He also connects the piece to popular culture, sport, and science, focusing on its temporary yet endlessly renewable suspension.
Key facts
- One Ball Total Equilibrium Tank was created in 1985.
- The sculpture features a Spalding basketball floating in a glass tank on a black metal stand.
- Koons called the work 'the penultimate state of being'.
- The work has been described as 'an endgame', 'misleading', and part of a 'repulsive' practice.
- Michael Archer authored the book on this work.
- Archer argues the sculpture captured the spirit of the 1980s.
- The book relates the work to popular culture, sport, and science.
- The publication is part of Afterall's One Work series.
Entities
Artists
- Jeff Koons
- Michael Archer
Institutions
- Afterall
- MIT Press
Sources
- Afterall —