Jeff Koons at the Met
A week ago, I stopped by the Metropolitan Museum of Art to check out and take photographs, of the new exhibition by internationally renowned American artist Jeff Koons. Three of his sculptures, based on toys and childhood themes were installed on the museum's roof. All are made of high chromium stainless steel with transparent color coating. It is one of my favorite outdoor spaces for its lovely views of Central Park, Midtown, and the Upper West Side.
What can be better than viewing whimsical sculptures, on a sunny day, in one of the greatest cities in the world? It's a momentary journey into complete fantasy, and honestly, it made me smile.
The exhibition is located on the Metropolian Museum of Art's Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Roof Garden, until October 26. 2008.
The Met has provided an explanation of each work:
Balloon Dog (Yellow), 1994-2000 The more than 10-foot-tall Balloon Dog (Yellow) is based on balloons twisted into the shape of a toy dog; the highly reflective and brightly colored surface gives the appearance of an actual balloon in a form that would delight a child but would also fascinate any student of Freud.
Coloring Book is an abstraction rendered in cheerful pastel colors; the artist was inspired to create this piece by a page from a Winnie the Pooh coloring book featuring Pooh's companion Piglet.
Sacred Heart (Red/Gold), with its sumptuous surfaces of wrapping and ribbon, may suggest childhood – as well as adult – dreams and fantasies about candy and luxury goods, intermixed with religious imagery. As a group, they demonstrate extraordinary technical virtuosity in the rendering of large perfected forms on an enormous scale, and offer viewers a certain jouissance and jubilant spirit.
Deena Parham