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The 12-meter (40 ft) high piece depicts a giant
hand squeezing a bouquet of eleven colorful tulips, a flower
that in some cultures symbolizes love.
Koons said he created the Bouquet of Tulips to show Americans'
support and solidarity for the French people after the attacks
in which a total of 130 people were killed.
"I did, as a citizen in New York, experience 9/11 and the
depression that hung over the city. It really took years for the
city to be able to come to life again", Koons told reporters.
Koons said that 80% of the proceeds from selling the copyright
of the artwork will go to the victims' families. The remaining
20% will be dedicated to its maintenance.
"The memory, commemorations, art, everything we do that can
recall the memory of our loved ones, is vital", said Dominique
Kielemoes, a member of the "13onze15" victims' association who
lost her son in the attacks.
The inauguration of the artwork comes after years of dispute.
The original venue for the work, near Paris landmark the Palais
de Tokyo, was abandoned after officials decided it interrupted
views of the Eiffel Tower, French media reported.
The venue finally chosen is near the Petit Palais, an art museum
in central Paris.
(Writing by Matthieu Protard; Editing by Toby Chopra)
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