Jeff Koons: Popeye and Jeff Koons: Hulk Elvis at Gagosian Gallery, Davies Street and Gagosian Gallery, Britannia Street
Gagosian Gallery, Davies Street and Gagosian Gallery, Britannia Street, London, United Kingdom
Here’s a word to the wise: don’t ever try to use Jeff Koons’ Lobster as a flotation device. Despite the fact that it looks in every way like an ordinary inflatable pool toy, it’s not. In fact, any attempt to float the piece on water (for a summertime relaxation session, perhaps) will instantly become a lesson in sink-to-the-bottom physics. Though it may be painted to look like a brightly-hued air pillow, Lobster is actually a hefty, cast aluminum sculpture.
The work is also a featured component of one of Jeff Koons’ new shows at Gagosian Gallery’s two London locations.
Davies Street’s Popeye exhibition (of which Lobster is a part) shows off Koons at his conceptual best. Unlike the artist’s earlier metal casts (1985’s Lifeboat or 1986’s Rabbit) where the material was plainly evident, objects here defy reason; their weight and rigidity is obscured by the dissembling paintwork that perfectly replicates the quality of plastic.
No less intellectually satisfying is Britannia Street’s Hulk Elvis, which presents a series of paintings bursting with energy. Canvases featured include a zestful mix of forms; inflatable monkeys, geishas, birds, and The Incredible Hulk pile together into visuals of swirling delight.
Jeff Koons: Popeye
June 1 – July 27, 2007
17-19 Davies Street, London, United Kingdom
020.7493.3020 • www.gagosian.com
Jeff Koons: Hulk Elvis
June 4 – July 27, 2007
6-24 Britannia Street, London, United Kingdom
020.7841.9960 • www.gagosian.com
Photo: Jeff Koons, Lobster, 2002. Polychromed aluminum, steel and vinyl. Image courtesy Gagosian Gallery.
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