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Jeff Koons Retrospective

Sometimes you can precisely reference a day from your past because it had a strong impact on you. For me this occurred on my first day of Art Fundamentals class when I began studying design in University. This particular moment stands out because my professor mentioned something that I’ve kept turning around in my head ever since. He told the class that a good sculpture should engage the viewer and make them feel like walking around the corner to see more. To this day I can’t help but to in part judge a three-dimensional object based on that simple thought. Whether it be imagining how a garment is draped around a human body or observing a cup on a dining room table… If the form entices me to see what’s on the other side, then it’s peaked my curiosity and will most likely make me feel like learning more about it.  

The other day when Steve and I stepped into the Jeff Koons retrospective at the Whitney, I couldn’t help but to recall my old professor’s wise words as we walked around every sculpture. I had seen works by the artist before, but not to this magnitude and mostly only in photographs. Having the chance to walk around and see the “other side” of some of these iconic pieces that I’ve seen so many times from only one view in a magazine or screen was truly fascinating. Especially with the more mammoth-scaled works like “Balloon Dog”, you’re really able to grasp Koons’ mastery. But beyond the obvious charming aesthetics, you also get a sense of his thought provoking comments on consumerism and social issues when you can physically interact with each piece up close and in person. Here are some photos I took during the exhibition. 

If you get the chance to check it out in person, the retrospective runs at the Whitney Museum of American Art until Oct 29th, 2014. If you’re into taking pictures of yourself in reflections, bring a camera. It’s selfie central.