Go See – Los Angeles: Jeff Koons ‘New Paintings’ at Gagosian Gallery through January 9th, 2010
November 16th, 2009
Girl Woods (2008) by Jeff Koons, via Gagosian Gallery
Currently on view at the Gagosian Gallery in Beverly Hills is “New Paintings” by Jeff Koons. This new body of work suggests a departure from the artist’s usual rendering of familiar yet banal objects within glossy surface textures. These works appear to be more literal, abstract and gestural yet also follow the tradition of figurative painting. They also engage in a dialogue that is cultural and intellectual by referencing major figures in modern art such as Gustave Coubet and Salvador Dali.
more images, text and relevant links after the jump…
Jeff Koons in his New York Studio 2009, via The Art Newspaper
The brush strokes in Koons’ new paintings are photorealistic in their application yet actually fake in the manner of Roy Lichtenstein. At the same time they appear to be full of gesture and action as if they were really painted. The painted dots in these works create holograms of sorts and provide each painting with an illusion of depth. The dots also represent past technologies such as color television which reminds the viewer of historical invention and change.
Hole III by Jeff Koons, via Gagosian Gallery
Since the beginning of his career Koons has challenged the traditional and conventional notion of a work of art. “The gesture that you end up making in the world happens through instinct and all these desires for procreation. The greatest beauty is the acceptance of how things function,” says the artist. In these new paintings he once again explores cultural history, sexuality, and the function of a work of art.
Landscape (Cherry Tree) by Jeff Koons, via Gagosian Gallery
Couple (Dots) Landscape by Jeff Koons, via Gagosian Gallery
Waterfall Couple (Dots) Blue Swish with Red Stroke by Jeff Koons, via Gagosian Gallery
Waterfall Couple (Dots) Marker, Horizontal by Jeff Koons, via Gagosian Gallery
Related Links:
Press Release [Gagosian Gallery]
Jeff Koons: New Paintings [The Magazine-Los Angeles]
Artist’s Website [Jeff Koons]
Crazy for Koons [Artinfo]
