One of the most intriguing and whimsical sights in Prague is the King Kong Balls statue. This unique sculpture can be found in the heart of the city, captivating both locals and visitors alike. If you’re wondering where exactly you can find this peculiar piece of art, let’s dive into its location and history.
What is the King Kong Balls Statue?
The King Kong Balls statue, also known as “Metalmorphosis,” is a large mirrored sculpture created by Czech artist David Černý. The artwork depicts the head of a human figure with segmented mirrored panels that rotate independently, creating a mesmerizing visual effect. At first glance, it may appear as an ordinary mirror sculpture, but it holds a surprising secret.
Where to Find It?
If you’re eager to see this extraordinary artwork for yourself, head to Prague’s district of Prague 4. Specifically, you’ll want to visit the location known as the Quadrio shopping center. The address is Spálená 2121/22, 110 00 Nové Město.
Once you reach Quadrio shopping center, make your way to the courtyard area. The King Kong Balls statue will be hard to miss – it stands tall at approximately 7 meters (23 feet) and weighs around 39 tons. Its reflective surface captures the surrounding environment and adds an element of surprise and intrigue.
The Artist: David Černý
David Černý is a renowned Czech sculptor known for his bold and controversial creations that challenge societal norms. He has gained international recognition for his thought-provoking pieces scattered throughout Prague and other cities worldwide.
Born in Prague in 1967, Černý studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague before embarking on his artistic career. He often infuses humor and satire into his work, inviting viewers to question their perceptions and engage in a dialogue about societal issues.
Other Notable Works by David Černý
While the King Kong Balls statue is undoubtedly one of Černý’s most famous creations, it is far from being his only noteworthy piece. Here are a few other notable works by this talented artist:
- Babies: This installation showcases several oversized bronze statues of crawling babies with barcodes as faces. It can be found climbing up the Žižkov Television Tower.
- Piss: Located near the Kafka Museum, this interactive sculpture features two mechanical men urinating into a Czech Republic-shaped pool.
- Hanging Out: Situated in Prague’s Malá Strana district, this sculpture depicts Sigmund Freud hanging from a pole.
If you’re an art enthusiast or simply curious about unique and thought-provoking sculptures, exploring David Černý’s works in Prague is an absolute must.
In Conclusion
The King Kong Balls statue, created by David Černý, is an iconic piece of art that adds charm and intrigue to Prague’s cityscape. Located at the Quadrio shopping center in Prague 4, it stands as a testament to the artist’s creativity and ability to engage viewers with surprising visual effects. Whether you’re an art lover or just looking for something unusual to see in Prague, make sure to visit this mesmerizing sculpture and explore other works by David Černý scattered throughout the city.