Artist Jeff Koons and filmmaker/author/photographer John Waters discuss Koon’s innovative and ever-changing art making practice, which ranges from sculpture to painting to digital media. Like Waters, Koons’s art comments on the notion of “good taste,” as well as the decadence of capitalist culture, the innocence of childhood, and beauty’s eternal resonance. Waters will speak with Koons about the inspiration and ideas behind his iconic works such as Michael Jackson and Bubbles, Balloon Dog (Blue), and Girl with Dolphin and Monkey Triple Popeye (Seascape), all of which are part of the Broad’s collection.
The Un-Private Collection: Jeff Koons and John Waters
Jeff Koons
Jeff Koons emerged in the 1980s as an innovative sculptor whose works quickly became icons of art history. Celebrating consumer goods and questioning accepted standards of taste, Koons’s art is an ironic comment on the decadence of contemporary culture, though Koons posits that his relationship to his son, transcendence, and enduring classical aesthetics are motivating factors for his art. According to John Waters: “Koons is never campy or even merely clever. Just smart. Koons has moved way beyond any kind of taste into a new realm of real richness, and I’m not talking about money.”
John Waters
John Waters was drawn to movies at an early age, particularly exploitation movies with lurid ad campaigns. In 1972, Waters created the most notorious film of 1970s American independent cinema, Pink Flamingos. His one man spoken-word lecture entitled “This Filthy World” has been performed around the world. “Carsick,” Waters’s seventh book, which chronicles hitchhiking from Baltimore to San Francisco, is due next June. In 2011, Waters curated Absentee Landlord at The Walker Art Center and was a 2011 Venice Biennale juror. Waters is a member of The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Wexner Center International Arts Advisory Council.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why do programs fill so quickly?
ALOUD provides a unique experience for the public to engage with scholars, authors, and artists in the intimate 235-seat Mark Taper Auditorium. Library Foundation Members have the benefit of reserving for programs in advance of the public. Consider joining as a Member to receive this benefit, and check the website on an on-going basis for program availability. Be sure to subscribe to our email alerts, and visit our Media Archive for podcasts and other items from our recent programs.
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Where does ALOUD take place?
Unless otherwise noted, ALOUD programs are held at the downtown Central Library’s Mark Taper Auditorium.
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Where should I park?
We recommend taking public transportation. Parking for the Central Library is at the Westlawn Garage at 524 S. Flower Street. For more information, visit the Library’s website.
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Should I purchase the author’s book in advance?
We encourage you to purchase books from the Library Store. All proceeds benefit the Los Angeles Public Library. Books are made available for purchase when you reserve for a program online, and are also on sale at programs. In order to participate in the book signing, you must purchase at least one book from The Library Store. Members receive discounts on purchases.
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Where can I find podcasts and videos of ALOUD programs?
Podcasts and videos from our programs are available free online at our growing Media Archive. Visit the archive at lfla.org/media-archive to explore hundreds of podcasts and videos spanning 20+ years of ALOUD’s history bringing authors, artists, and t thinkers to the Los Angeles Public Library.