The balloon dog art form originated from the creative use of balloon animals, which have been popular in party entertainment for decades. The concept was elevated to high art by artist Jeff Koons in the 1980s. His iconic Balloon Dog sculptures, made from stainless steel and featuring a reflective surface, transformed the simple balloon animal into a symbol of contemporary art. Koons' work, part of his 'Celebration' series, reimagined the playful balloon dog in a grand, polished form, making it a celebrated piece in modern art collections. This transformation from a party trick to a gallery masterpiece highlights the balloon dog's journey from entertainment to enduring artistic symbol.