Both enthralled and appalled by the Jeff Koons exhibition in Versailles, one of the world’s most refined palaces today, I needed a long but leisurely stroll in the extended gardens of this glorious monument of art and artifacts of French style of the highest quality caliber, to allow me to reflect on it all.
Self-confessed, I love walking through old places and imagining me ‘there’, at another time. Versailles is an amazingly wonderful location to be transported into another world and to glance into the lives of a King and his Queen. It is for this reason that, after my stroll, I concluded that while I am a true fan of contemporary art, i.e. including Jeff Koons’ work, I felt that the display of his works worked like blobs of ketchup on a dinner in a five diamond restaurant.
Thank goodness the works were boxed in clear plexi-glass to contain them by themselves and to bestow them with a sense of impermanence.
However, the boxed art made in bright colors and shiny materials shouted loud. Thoughts of the works acting like a noisy TV, put in a place where one wants to be in one’s own contemplation, also came to mind. Whereas during previously visits before the Koons’ exhibition, I was able to walk through the regal chambers and conjure up images of royalty and their lives, during this visit to Versailles, I could not.
To people who will come visit the glorious palace of Versailles to enjoy its refined culture, splendid architecture, interior design, furniture craftsmanship and painting qualities, to dream of kings and princesses, and to learn about French history, I strongly to postpone the visit till the Jeff Koons exhibition will over in December later this year. It is nearly impossible to see the beauty of the castle in full ~ current restorations aside ~ with the exhibition being so centrally placed within.
It’s all about Jeff Koons
Having said all this, IF one plans to visit Versailles to see Jeff Koons’ works just as one would in an contemporary art museum or gallery, this exhibition is a fest of grandeur and grandioso. For the keen Koons’ art lover, the context of Versailles’ splendor and its wealthy extravanganza adds a thick layer to Koons’ artistic drama, and dare I say, ideological reasoning.
It is almost if Jeff Koons paid Versailles to display his work so advantageously. The picture gallery in this article clearly reflect their prominence and integration into the regal chambers.
Koons in France
What Koons stands for in France is far beyond meaningful art. Is he the next Grace Kelly ~ glamorous American idol celebrating gold in France, permanently? Time will tell. He has been building a sound track record.
In 2001 Koons was nominated the title of Chevalier of the French Legion of Honor by President Jacques Chirac. Last year, Koons opted up his status to Officier ‘for his ongoing strengthening of relations between France and the United States’. Dare I say, he’s not done yet.
Jeff Koons Exhibition Details
The exhibit first opened 2 weeks ago, and will continue till December 14 2008. Costs to the exhibit are included into the palace entrance fee of Eur 13.50 and up. The palace of Versailles is on the outside of Paris proper and can be reached easily by subway-train. Plan for a day trip and include some al fresco dining in the extended gardens.
Books by Jeff Koons
This carousel highlights some of the best books displaying and at times explaining the art of Jeff Koons.
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