I was so DESPERATE to see this exhibition. I love Jeff Koons's work and have to admit to be a little attracted to him. Those sharp suits and his quiet of speaking and then the knowledge that he can be quite naughty (remember his work with now ex-wife La Ciccioline?).
I have to admire my husband who was willing to trek through Hyde Park to get to the gallery, knowing nothing about Koons - the joy of being newlyweds, what you won't do for each other!
On arrival we were met by a charming young gallery assistant politely requesting we don't touch anything or take photographs - sure! Isn't that always the case? Art gallery commandment number one thou shalt not touch the work.
When I first went in I felt quite unimpressed, I wondered through, trying to look intelligent and thoughtful. I got it in a way, the kitch aspect, the nod to pop art's revering the mass produced and commercial as still life, but my overall reaction 'meh.' Blow up pool toys, interlocked with chairs, and chains, isn't that more the realm of a graduate show?
And then I read the exhibition notes. I stupidly didn't realise they were casts made of aluminium, then meticulously painted. We chatted a little with gallery assistants who assured us that they realy were made of metal - and my view transformed. I also saw why we had been asked not to touch anything, my desire to reach and feel it for myself was almost overpowering!
Jeff Koons has said that he is interested in craft and how craft is used to produce pieces of art. In a sense this show was a celebration of craft. The show is so much more of course, reading Koons talk about his work and how the art he creates is about people and people's reaction to art, I felt how generous an artist he is.
Exhibiton ends: 13th September
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