Glamour Gumballs

Using the iconic symbolism of candy and toy vending machines, Simmons repurposes an iconic symbol of childhood with unexpected contents that fulfill our adult desires and needs. In lieu of typical toys or candy, we see botox vials, game controllers, and pill bottles - to name a few.  Simmons plays with light and creates a shimmering effect on the exterior of the machines by using Swarovski crystals - another “adultified” luxury that has become historically iconic and coveted through myriad pop culture channels; from being embroidered on Marilyn Monroe’s dress or on Michael Jackson’s iconic glove. With cylindrical and geometric bases of various scales, Simmons not only experiments with cuts and colors of different stones but also volumes and sizes - contrasting sheen, shines and mattes. The use of this gem is a deliberate symbol of an otherworldly luxury that fascinated us all as children, and now illuminates our desires as adults. The overall effect results in sparkly and seductive pieces that capture our attention, not by what’s inside (as we are accustomed to), but rather through the sculpted forms and ridges of the bases. 

Sparkling gumball machine adorned with neon pink swarovski stones, filled with colorful chess pieces instead of gumballs. The base is painted yellow and features the text 'CHESS PLEASE' in bold red letters.

Chess Please

A gumball machine is bedazzled in purple Swarovski crystals, filled with various shades of tiny, replica purple jam jars, on top of a purple pedestal that says “That’s My Jam.”

That’s My Jam

A gumball machine is bedazzled in Swarovski smoked topaz crystals, filled with various kinds of fake mini chocolates, on top of a bronze pedestal with paint drips that says 'Wake Me Up Before You Co-coa.'

       Wake me Up Before You Co-coa      

Swarovski chrysolite stone bedazzled gumball machine filled with fake miniature mints on a turquoise pedestal with the caption "only encouragemint" and an image of a roll of mints.

     Only Encouragemint     

A gumball machine is bedazzled in pink Swarovski flatback crystals, filled with various kinds of miniature replica donuts, on top of a pink pedestal that says “Donut Disturb.”

Donut Disturb

A gumball machine is bedazzled in neon yellow delite Swarovski crystals, filled with miniature plastic bananas, on top of a green pedestal that says “Major Appeal!”

Major Appeal

A bedazzled Swarovski black diamond gumball machine containing miniature video game controllers sits atop a pedestal with a video game graphic and the text 'LEVEL UP!'

Level Up

Front view of a Swarovski fire opal flatback stone bedazzled orange gumball machine filled with prescription pill bottles atop a pedestal that says "not covered by health insurance."

   Not Covered By Health Insurance   

A gumball bedazzled in Siam shimmer Swarovski crystals, filled with miniature red and blue doll shoes, on top of a navy pedestal that says “Why Be Moody When You Can Shake Your Booty?”

        Why Be Moody When        

   You Can Shake Your Booty   

Gold Swarovski flatstone embellished gumball machine sitting on a gold foil pedestal filled with miniature fake bread and pastry products

Breadwinners

Silver swarovski embellished gumball machine filled with botox vials atop a silver pedestal with satirical caption in pink.

         How Can You Face Your Problems         

             If Your Problem is Your Face?             

"A gumball machine adorned with glitter, filled with miniature dinosaur toys, mounted on a pedestal with the phrase ""YOU ARE DINO-MITE!"" "

You Are Dino-mite

Bedazzled pinkgumball machine atop a pink base with 'Makes Scents' label, filled with miniature perfume capsules.

Makes Scents

    Rubbing Alcohol for Outside Boo Boos,    

     Drinking Alcohol for Inside Boo Boos     

A gumball machine is bedazzled in Swarovski AB flatback crystals, filled with different shades of jewels, on top of a white pedestal that says “Bling it on!”

Bling it On

  • An assortment of decorative gumball machines and other novelty items on display at Bergdorf Goodman. The machines feature vibrant colors, unique designs, and embellishments. There are also signs with phrases such as 'Bling it on!' and 'That's my jam.
  • Glittering gumball machine sculptures by Kristin Simmons with text 'HOW CAN YOU FACE YOUR PROBLEMS IF YOUR PROBLEM IS YOUR FACE?' on display.
  • Kristin Simmons smiles behind her 'Glamour Gumballs' collection, featuring gumball machines adorned with crystals and humorous messages.
  • A selection of Kristin Simmons' 'Glamour Gumballs' sculptures at Bergdorf Goodman, with messages like 'YOU ARE DINO-MITE!' and 'NOT COVERED BY HEALTH INSURANCE'.
  • An artistic perspective of Kristin Simmons' 'Glamour Gumballs' exhibition showcasing the bright, sparkling gumball machines on pedestals.
  • An array of Kristin Simmons' 'Glamour Gumballs' art installations with colorful, crystal-studded gumball machines and playful slogans.
  • Kristin Simmons presents her 'Glamour Gumballs' artwork at Bergdorf Goodman in New York City.

  • “Behind her Twiggy good looks and disarmingly cheery Legally Blonde ingenue exterior lurks one of our time’s most mordant and charmingly sassy social critics. Those who appreciate great art—those who get her work—will want to get her work. ”

    Adam Robinson | NYT Bestselling Author

  • “Simmons’ art enters into a discourse about excess: how much is too much, what is satiety? The artist does not proffer an answer, nor does she offer her own opinion. Instead, she spurs us to challenge our own.”

    Epic Eye Magazine | Gabriella Coffey

  • “With myriad solo exhibitions and participating in the Whitney Musuem’s Debtfair, Simmons is an artist to watch out for.”

    Samantha Matcovksy | Huffington Post

  • “Kristin’s voice and amazing art will help spark meaningful conversations -- which is always the precursor to cultural perception shifts -- we expect that her work will raise significant awareness for the United Nations SDG5 causes.”

    Jim Van Eerden | 5th Element Group

  • “Simmons is tackling some of our culture’s most hot-button issues with her work.”

    Carly Zinderman | Just Luxe

  • “Whether it’s mental health, pop culture, politics or capitalism, the unapologetically clever New York-based pop artist doesn’t shy away from the polemical.”

    Eliza Ali | Art She Says

  • “Prepare to be obsessed with Kristin Simmons’ exhibit at Bergdorf Goodman…a glittery, fabulous, irreverent collection of artwork that is absolutely begging to be instagrammed.”

    Guest of a Guest