Hanging Heart

Hanging Heart by contemporary artist Jeff Koons

Hanging Heart by contemporary artist Jeff Koons © 2008 Bo Mackison

We went to Chicago this weekend and visited the Museum of Contemporary Art which is running a Jeff Koons’ exhibit. It began May 31 and runs through September 21.

Hanging Heart, which is fabricated from stainless steel, has a transparent blue coating and a silver ribbon, and hangs in the entrance hallway of the museum. Unfortunately, it was the only photo I could take as there is a no photography restriction in the galleries themselves. But I loved the exhibit – it was bold and bright and sent a clear message on Koons’ take on society. The tour was certainly well worth the 45 minutes it took, and free so the cost was right.

The heart is made in 5 unique versions (red/gold, magenta/gold, silver/blue, violet/gold, gold/red). The sculptures were fabricated between the years 1994-2006 and each one measures 106 x 85 x 40 inches. It also weighs one and a half tons so I chose not to stand directly underneath it. Yep, cowardly. That’s me!

The blue heart recently sold for a cool 23 million dollars.

Billboard featuring Jeff Koons Baloon Dog

Billboard featuring Jeff Koon’s Balloon Dog

Sixty pieces fill two huge exhibit halls and include works from all of his major series.

Koons’ site features his work, biography and artist’s statement.

About Bo Mackison

I'm a photographer, book-artist, traveler, naturalist, and creator of the Contemplative Creatives Journey, An Online Workshop and Community and Desert Wisdom Cards and Workshops. Though often not well known, I find the desert a welcoming place - a healing space. Its mysteries and gifts transformed me several years ago. Since that first encounter, I return again and again to fill my well in what most people think of as a desolate region. I'd love to share my desert discoveries and wisdom with you. Please subscribe to receive my five part mini email course The Gifts of the Desert. It's my gift to you.

Comments

  1. WOW! Fantastic ‘sculpture’. Looks like an incredible exhibit!!!

  2. Ron in L.A. says

    I like that Bo, great angle….

    R(etc… )

  3. I’d like to see the exhibit and get my take on it. At one time each new style of art was “modern.” The reflection captured in the heart is particularly interesting to me. Nice photo.

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