SZA has won praise from fans after buying a balloon sculpture from an artist who was being mocked online. Her purchases unexpectedly turned the online criticism into a moment of support for the independent artist.
The Kill Bill hitmaker shared the story on Instagram, revealing how she decided to buy two sculptures after spotting a commenter criticising the artist's work. But while supporters celebrated her response to the troll, others questioned the sculpture's originality, comparing it to the work of renowned contemporary artist Jeff Koons.
SZA Shares Her Art Purchase
SZA explained that she discovered artist Adam Nassih, known as Loonsba, while scrolling through comments in which someone was criticising his sculptures. According to the singer, the commenter challenged people to buy the artwork and promised to match anyone who did.
The singer said she decided to request the artist's most expensive piece, tagging the person who had issued the challenge. However, when the commenter replied, 'heyyy no fair ur rich', SZA decided to also buy a smaller sculpture.
She also noted that the commenter made art himself, adding that 'he didn't get a sale that day'. She concluded: 'Being a hater gets expensive ain't it? ❤️'
SZA also shared photographs of herself posing with the balloon dog sculpture, including one in which she appeared topless. She tagged Loonsba's Instagram account and expressed her affection for the artwork, writing: 'love this piece in my crib'.
Fans Praise SZA, but Spot One Issue
The artist also responded to SZA's post, thanking her for the support. 'Its such a funny story, wish he hadnt deleted his comment, thank you so much for your support and also for trusting me with this❤️❤️ Love you @sza', he wrote.
Fans quickly praised the singer for standing up for an artist who had been targeted by online criticism. One commenter described her actions as the kind of 'petty philanthropy' they aspired to, while another applauded her for supporting artists and humbling critics at the same time. 'Beautiful girls supporting artists we love to see it🎨🎈💕', another fan wrote.
However, the sculpture did not impress everyone. One fan of SZA questioned its originality, commenting: 'Okay support the arts and all but that's just a Jeff Koons knockoff...?' The comparison drew attention to the sculpture's resemblance to a style associated with one of contemporary art's best-known figures.
Seems she didnt know that is literally a Koons knock off? 🤣
— MUSIC LOVER 🎶 ❤️ (@iconer1983) October 19, 2026
Jeff Koons and His Balloon Art
Jeff Koons is an American contemporary artist known for sculptures that transform familiar objects and popular imagery into large-scale artworks. His best-known pieces include Balloon Dog, part of his Celebration series, which features brightly coloured, balloon-inspired forms
Koons' balloon sculptures are particularly recognisable for their smooth, reflective surfaces and playful shapes. The monumental versions of Balloon Dog are made from mirror-polished stainless steel with a transparent coloured coating, according to the Pinault Collection
His work has become a prominent part of contemporary art, with balloon-inspired designs appearing across different formats and materials. This explains why online users might draw comparisons when encountering another sculpture that resembles a twisted balloon animal.
Turning Online Hate Into Support
SZA's purchase has prompted two different reactions. Fans are celebrating her decision to support an artist in the face of online mockery, while others are questioning the originality of the piece. This only highlights how a single social media post can bring an independent creator's work to a much wider audience.
For Nassih, the singer's public endorsement has also introduced his sculptures to SZA's followers. Whether fans agree on the artwork's style or not, the exchange has shifted attention from a hostile comment to the artist behind the piece.
