Jeff Koons on the Roof of the Metropolitan Museum of Art
Opening today, on the spectacular rooftop of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is the debut of of three new sculptures by American artist, in an new exhibition Jeff Koons on the Roof. Koons has earned renown for such projects as Puppy (1992), a 42 1/2-foot-tall topiary sulpture of a West Highland Terrier, and Rabbit, a helium-filled balloon that made its debut at the 2007 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The art world is eagerly awaiting the debut of works in progress like Train, a 160-foot-tall full-scale locomotive, suspended nose-down, which “performs” several times a day with wheels chugging while emitting steam.
The three sculptures making their debut on The Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Roof Garden are from Koons Celebration series, which Koons began working on in 1993.
Koons’ Balloon Dog (Yellow) (1994-2000) is made of high chromium stainless steel with transparent color coating and measures over 10 feet tall. The highly reflective work, with excellent attention to detail, gives the appearance that it is an actual balloon animal.
Sacred Heart (1994-2007) appears to be a large foil wrapped candy while invoking the Catholic image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The work is very impressive, measuring at nearly 12 feet tall.
Coloring Book (1997-2005) was inspired by a page from a Winnie The Pooh coloring book which contains Pooh’s friend Piglet. Koons took a marker to the coloring book and colored-in various zones, then removing the image of Piglet front the composition. The result is an 18-foot sculpture, featuring pastel colors, which, even in an abstract form, is very reminiscent of Pooh’s companion.
This is the eleventh annual installation on the rooftop of the Met. Koons new sculptures are in good company with Augustin Rodin’s sculpture The Three Shades on the 10,000 square-foot roof-top which offers stellar views of Central Park.
Location: 1000 Fifth Avenue (at 82nd Street) (map) 212-535-7710
Getting There: 4,5,6 subway to 86th Street
Dates of Exhibit: Jeff Koons on the Roof will be on exhibit until October 26, 2008 (as weather permits).
Hours: Tue-Thur 9:30am-5:30pm; Fri-Sat 9:30am-9pm; Sun 9:30am-5:30pm; Closed Monday (except for select Met Mondays)
Cost: Suggested Donation Adult $20; Senior (65 and older) $15; Student $10; Members Free; Children (under 12 with adult) Free. Includes same-day admission to The Cloisters.
All sculptures ©Jeff Koons; all photos from personal collection, ©2008 Heather Takacs
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POSTED IN: Announcements, Art, Central Park, Museums, Upper East Side
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