DUMBO — At an unassuming warehouse at Plymouth and Gold Streets, CJ Hendry’s latest endeavor, “Keff Joons,” pokes fun while paying homage to Jeff Koons’s balloon-esque sculptures. 

Hendry’s exhibit opened April 11 and will continue through April 20. Since its opening, the free exhibit caught the eyes of tourists and New Yorkers alike, offering them an opportunity to tune into their inner child while climbing on giant balloon sculptures. 

“While Jeff has transformed the balloon animal into an icon of art, I’ve cobbled together these balloon ‘knots’ that forgo structure and form and are totally ridiculous,” Hendry said, joking that she is “leaving the real art to the professionals.”

Hendry’s exhibit made art accessible and invited participation from all ages. While the primary-colored inflatable balloons were a kid’s dream, the exhibit attracted high school students, young adults and parents alike. 

“‘Keff Joons’ is my tongue-in-cheek nod at that balance between lightness and impermanence through the lens of Jeff Koons’ incredible balloon sculptures,” Hendry said. 

Parents lined up on Gold Street with their kids, sometimes waiting for two hours before being admitted. Once inside, attendees rushed to the funhouse of balloons and viewed Hendry’s illustrations on the walls.

The Australian artist has a history of tongue-in-cheek art utilizing bright colors and fun subject matter. Hendry sold her first piece — a depiction of a pair of R.M. Williams Boots — for $10,000 in 2014. Later, she drew a $100 bill with Kanye West’s face decorating the front, which West bought from her. 

Hendry’s “Keff Joons” embodies her ironic, playful style. The exhibit went viral on social media the day it opened. One Instagram post has 14,000 likes, and a TikTok by SecretNYC posted just a day after the exhibit opened already has 14,000 likes and 191,000 views. 

The juvenile quality of the exhibit is exactly what Hendry was going for while creating it. Hendry said she was fascinated by Koons’ use of balloons in his work and wanted to emulate it. 

“Balloons are so simple, yet they carry this enormous emotional weight — joy, nostalgia, fragility,” Hendry said. “I love that they float so effortlessly, but at any moment, they can pop.”

The exhibit had workers stationed around the room to oversee the participants. Dash Perry started working with Hendry in September 2024 with her Roosevelt Island exhibition “Flower Market.” Perry said he enjoyed the interactive aspect of Hendry’s art, and he was excited to work with her on “Keff Joons,” as well. 

“We can all stand and stare at a photo or a drawing, but being able to have something you can take home or, even better, touch and feel, is probably one of the best ways to interact with art,” Perry said. 

Ronit Kidron decided to go to the “Keff Joons” exhibit with a friend and said she had been following Hendry’s work for a while.

“Not only is it accessible for kids, but it also makes adults kids, as well,” Kidron said. “It gives you a unique point of view of how you can play around with art.” 

Hendry’s exhibit will continue every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through April 20, and no registration is required.