On the occasion of the launch of a limited edition of Split-Rocker, Avant Arte collaborated with Jeff Koons to present the artist’s first official video game inspired by the eponymous work. The project connects the sculpture, originally created in the 1990s and now at the LACMA, with a digital format designed to amplify its playful and participatory dimension.
Split-Rocker takes shape from the union of two toys: a pony and a rocking dinosaur. The idea, conceived by the artist while imagining the fusion of objects belonging to his children’s childhood, resulted in a hybrid sculpture that combines two mirrored halves into a single body. Over the years, the work has been presented in monumental versions, often covered with thousands of live flowers, becoming one of the most recognizable images in Koons’ production.
The video game adopts the sculpture’s aesthetic and distinctive features, translating them into interactive mechanics. The initiative introduces a competitive element: the player who records the highest score by March 9 will receive an edition of the work. At the same time, a separate draw is open, closing on March 17 at 5:00 PM (UK time).
The project fits within the artist’s established practice of translating everyday objects and symbols of popular culture into artworks with strong public visibility. In this case, the shift into a video game format further expands the scope, integrating digital languages and dynamics typical of contemporary entertainment.
The collaboration highlights a shift in scale and medium: from a physical sculpture, often placed in exhibition spaces or urban contexts, to an online-accessible experience that directly engages the public through play and competition.
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