ethanprange : koons at the whitney

Even an amateur art aficionado like myself recognizes the name Jeff Koons. Koons is probably the most famous, and definitely the most financially successful artist of the late 20th century. Last year he made history, his Ballon Dog (orange) sold for an estimated $58.4 million at Christies in New York City, the most expensive piece of art ever sold by a living artist. His work, like his much commented on personality is larger than life, colorful, self aware, ironic, and most importantly hugely popular. With a knowing grin, Koons varied work like the giant balloon dog, the massive pile of clay, his sculptures/ installations of well known commercial and retail products and celebrities say a lot about modern consumer culture. It's very easy to enjoy Koons work, there's little hidden in his art, everything is just as it seems and I think that's his aim, to amuse and engage, not confuse. Many art critics are divided on their opinions of him. Some say he's a genius, others an abrasive, self-obsessed, commerce-driven jerk. I find his work hilarious, and also the easiest artist to bring any type of person to see, because everyone has an opinion.

I'm incredibly fortunate to be in New York this summer during the Whitney Museum's retrospective of his entire career. Not only do I get to see all of Koons work in one place, but also I get to see the Whitney before its eventual move downtown to a new building and neighborhood in the Meatpacking District. The exhibit was packed with tourists and locals alike and each room was devoted to a different period of his career that has spanned almost three decades now.

At times Koons work is so massive, so eye catching, so funny you forget about the tremendous amount of detail and energy each piece took to create. His work is done on a grand scale, and the affect on the audience comes from the size. The pictures don't really do them justice.