Start at Home No. 101 - Jeppe Hein

Shiny Balloon Surprise! Let’s draw!

Danish artist Jeppe Hein born in 1974, lives in Copenhagen, Denmark and Berlin, Germany. He is famous around the world for his fun artworks in galleries and public spaces. His sculptures invite people to play, explore, and join in. His art comes alive when you move near it or interact with it. He uses simple shapes, mirrors, and balloons to trick your eyes and spark new ideas. His work is often funny and gets you using your body, not just looking. Jeppe also wants people to connect, laugh, and share moments. Some artworks even help you feel calm and mindful.

Jeppe Hein’s Mirror Balloons are shiny sculptures that look like real balloons floating on the ceiling. They aren’t filled with air—they’re made from strong materials like glass fibre, reinforced plastic, chrome lacquer, ribbon and are held up with hidden magnets. This makes them look like they’re gently floating! The balloons are like mirrors, so you can see yourself and the room in a funny, curved way. Jeppe also makes balloon shapes like animals and words. You can see his work at the Art Gallery of South Australia and other famous galleries around the world.

Question

What kind of sounds, movements, or actions could you add to Jeppe’s Medium Red and Ruby Mirror Balloon artwork?

  • Jeppe's art needs you. His artworks aren’t complete until people walk, play, or move around them!
  • Many of Jeppe’s sculptures are shiny like mirrors and make funny, curved reflections.

Sharing a Silly Floating Gift

  1. Draw your balloon. Draw a big round or oval balloon at the top of your page.
  2. Add a string. Draw a long straight or wiggly string hanging down.
  3. Tie it to something fun! At the end of the string, draw something surprising. Ideas: a rock, a basket, a melting ice cube, a tiny door, a cactus, a dinosaur bone, or even a mystery note!
  4. Make your balloon look shiny. Add curved lines on the balloon to show it is reflective like a mirror.
  5. Add movement. Draw little lines to show the balloon is floating, pulling, or wobbling.
  6. Colour your artwork. Use bright colours or silvery tones. Leave some white spots to make it look shiny.

Challenge

Can your balloon lift something REALLY heavy? What happens next?

Take it further

Add a thick black frame around your layout using a ruler and black felt-tip and sign your amazing work!

  • Paper or cardstock
  • Pencils and erasers
  • Colouring materials: crayons, markers, coloured pencils, or paints
  • Magazines, printed pictures, or drawings
  • Scissors
  • Glue or tape
  • Lollipop sticks, straws, or thin wooden sticks
  • Ruler or something to help guide a straight slit (An adult to help safely cut the slit)
  • Optional: phone or tablet to video the animation

Take it further:

  • Instead of one gift, have the characters exchange a few strange objects.
  • Use small boxes, cardboard, or clay to build the mountains and trees so your characters are in a mini 3D world (Diorama). Slide the gift through the scene.