Banality & Kitsch

Italian Woman (1986) by Jeff Koons


Let's wish Jeff Koons a Happy 57th Birthday.

I've put up a few posts over the last year featuring his work. That's not because he's really a favorite of mine, but, rather, because LACMA has an awesome selection of his works. Seriously, as an avid enthusiast of Los Angeles museums, how could I not share with my readers the entertaining works on display in town? After all, somebody Googles up "Balloon Dog" images every week or so. ;-)

A while back, I found Koons' work to be totally devoid of artistic value. Sure, they were entertaining with Pop reference or crass boldness, but, beyond the chuckle or moment of bemusement, there was nothing deeper than a brief sensation. His works were shallow.

St. John the Baptist (1988) by Jeff Koons

I've since changed my opinion. I still find his work to be amazingly shallow, but I think there is artistry in provoking a laugh. It takes a certain type of genius to put a pig and a penguin with St. John the Baptist. Is it kitschy? Yes. But it's also playfully creative, imaginative.

There's a talent in designing the sensational.

Seven Views of Balloon Dog (Blue)

Balloon Dog (Blue) (1994-200) by Jeff Koons

In my previous post, I discussed how I selected photographs of roses so as to drive viewers to read the poem that I had selected for Friday Flowers. Among my flower posts, the Rose get the most page views. However, in the back of my mind, I thought about Balloon Dog.

People are always doing searches for Jeff Koons' Balloon Dog. In my stats, it seems to pop up a few times a week. The funny thing is that I haven't actually made a post about it, only various works of art around it. But even with just cameo appearances, it puts up numbers that none of my flower posts can match, not even roses.

So, for all you Balloon Dog image pilgrims, here are some views of Balloon Dog (Blue) on view at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, in the Jane and Marc Nathanson Gallery on the third floor of the Broad Contemporary Building. If you're looking for Balloon Dog (Yellow), sorry but I don't live in New York City. ;-)

Balloon Dog (Blue) by Jeff Koons

It's a cool sculpture for certain.

On the Surface of an Egg Shell

Reflection on the surface of Jeff Koons' Cracked Egg (Red) at LACMA


It's a holiday weekend, which means that posting will be sparse until Tuesday. Have a great weekend!!!



The Jane and Marc Nathanson Gallery at LACMA featuring Jeff Koons' Balloon Dog and Cracked Egg (Red).

 Enjoy!!!

Remembering the King of Pop

Michael Jackson and Bubbles (1988) by Jeff Koons

Michael Jackson was born on this date in 1958.

There are plenty of photos that I could have featured today, but I decided to showcase Jeff Koons' 1988 ceramic statue. It always makes me feel happy. ;-)



Michael Jackson and Bubbles (1988) by Jeff Koons (Balloon Dog in the background)



Michael Jackson and Bubbles (1988) by Jeff Koons


 Enjoy!!!