Koons Blooms
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| Jeff Koons, Split-Rocker, 2000. LACMA, gift of Lynda and Stewart Resnick |
The installation of Jeff Koons' Split-Rocker at LACMA appears to be complete. Pineapple express rains followed by 80-degree January temperatures have the 37-foot high vegan sculpture in early bloom.
Comments
The museum will never have an IM-Pei glass pyramid set against Renaissance-Baroque-Classicism-Neoclassical-Beaux-Arts. Much less the big-time collection of the Louvre. So LACMA might just as well play up the stereotype of sun and surf set against cantilevered concrete.
When the Geffen opens, I hope it really works. In comparison, the previous format did come off too much like, "LA Municipal Art Mall & Gymnasium."
I recall some relatives from Michigan visiting it several years ago and not being as "er, uh, oh-kay" about it as I now would be. However, as with the museum's new landscaping, there will be naysayers. Or a redux of Pereira-1965. Still, hope for the best, prepare for the worst---or a case of too much Govan/Zumthor funkiness.
It should be seen from all angles, including from above. Remember despite its size for Koons it is still a toy. I think that's the aspect of the other flower sculptures that doesn't manifest itself as strongly because those sculptures can only be viewed from ground level. The windows in the Zumthor building allow the viewer "to rock" the horse.
It draws attention to how the building's form twists and turns in response to sunlight, like a tree. That's what creates the shaded courtyard on the back of the south side where we find the "Rocker." The placement itself makes you think about your surroundings.
It's good landscape design. It takes what would have been a street-facing, entry plaza and turns it into an urban room by blocking the street views.
Finally, it's a witty rejoinder/bookend to Levitated Mass. Big rock meet Split Rocker.
Well done...
--- J. Garcin