Jeff KoonsAcrobat 2003–09Polychromed aluminium,galvanised steel, wood and straw228.9 x 148 x 64.8 cmBill Bell Collection© 2009 Jeff KoonsJeff Koons: Popeye Series - 2 July – 13 September 2009
The Serpentine Gallery presents an exhibition of the work of the celebrated American artist Jeff Koons, his first major exhibition in a public gallery in England. One of the former exhibitions of Jeff Koons' art was at the Gagosian Gallery near Kings Cross 2 years ago.
Working in thematic series since the early 1980s, Koons has explored notions of consumerism, taste, banality, childhood and sexuality. He is known for his meticulously fabricated works that draw on a variety of objects and images from American and consumer culture. For his exhibition at the Gallery, Koons presents paintings and sculptures from his Popeye series, which he began in 2002.
The opening of the show was packed, and Jeff Koons himself was there with members of his family. However I couldn't stop thinking that the Jeff Koons' era was now over. Given that the economic crisis is now blurring all references/basis/symbols Western Society was based on, it seems like Jeff Koons' art is obsolete. What do you think? We're too concerned to enjoy simple, consumerist, American-capitalism inspired art... Entertainment comes second now, we're too concerned to look for a job, or solutions to get out of this gloomy atmosphere. The other question behind this exhibition was also about Jeff Koons' art itself: will it change, and if so what direction will it take?
Jeff KoonsPopeye 2003Oil on canvas274.3 x 213.4 cm© 2008 Jeff KoonsTo learn more: http://www.serpentinegallery.org/
