For the past two years and counting, if you ask Nicholas what he wants to be when he grows up, he answers without hesitation, “an artist.” Although he is a master at monkey bar wrangling and delights in digging for worms, give him a mass of crayons, markers and a stack of fresh paper, and he can keep himself busy for quite awhile.
So when I caught a news clip the other night on the Jeff Koons exhibit at the Met, I thought that would be right up his alley. Who wouldn’t smile at huge, shiny, metallic structures fashioned into hearts and balloon art? And it’s even more fun that it’s a roof-top exhibit.
Koons, an artist from Pennsylvania, has said that he wants “his art to communicate with as broad an audience as possible,” and he definitely succeeds with this latest exhibit. His current artwork in progress includes, “a full-scale steam locomotive [that] is to be suspended nose-down from a Liebherr crane and [will] perform several times a day—wheels accelerating while chugging, emitting steam, and blasting its whistle.” How cool does that sound? Coincidentally, there is also a Superhero exhibit currently running too, so it’s a perfect time to take your child to the museum. Mixing authentic superhero costumes from the movies, along with vintage comic books and fashion inspired by the comics, it was a popular exhibit … and has now enticed Nicholas to start collecting comic books.
Surprisingly enough, although he loved both the Superhero and the Koons exhibit, he was equally enthralled with the Greek statues and Parisian furniture on display, and loved learning about Medusa. To the point that he asked for a trip to the library this week so he could learn more. I love that kid.
There is convenient parking right past the museum (although we got lucky with on-street parking today), and kids under 12 are free, so if you’re looking for a fun outing to bring the summer to a close, this might be up your alley. Our only regret was that they didn’t have any postcards of either the Koons or Superhero exhibit; my guess is because they’re temporary installations. No matter, the Medusa’s head card did just fine, thankyouverymuch.
The Koons exhibit is there through October 26th, but the Superhero one is only there until September 1st, so if you want to check it out, better get there soon.
And incidentally, inquiring minds would like to know why all the people are naked in the sculptures and statues … got an answer? Do share with the class.
THAT is so cool! Wonder if it was there when we were in NYC. We only did one museum…natural history. As to “inquiring minds”‘s question….hmmmmm! I tried to find the “real” answer but didn’t find anything.
I saw that poodle balloon statue when I was in Venice. Thanks for reminding me of a great vacation!