Jeff Koons in Florence: Pluto and Proserpina

“Bunny” Beatrice Brandini

About the next three months will visit Florence, you can be admired in the Piazza Signoria next to the marble copy of David by Michelangelo, a monumental, spectacular and glittering sculpture (three-meter) steel gold. Is one of the two works by the project Jeff Koons in Florence, brainchild of the Mayor of Florence Dario Nardella and Fabrizio Moretti, by Sergio Risaliti, organized by Mus.e, sponsored by the City of Florence.

Press Conference “Jeff Koons in Florence”

Dario Nardella, Fabrizio Moretti and Jeff Koons (with interpreter) at the press conference

The mayor of Florence Dario Nardella gives the keys of the city to Jeff Koons

   

Fabrizio Moretti and Sergio Risaliti in the press conference

   

Glimpses of the Hall of Audiences in the Palazzo Vecchio, the seat of the press conference

The idea of having approached the Renaissance beauty to the modern and pop art of Koons is already perceived as a great idea. Florence, cradle of the Renaissance, “work of art” in all its splendor, also needs these initiatives. Needs of modernity and respect that, above all through the culture, open debate and somehow approaching the art to a target likely less academic preparation, but young and cosmopolitan. I was invited to the inauguration and I saw the reactions of those who, unaware and “detached”, was found in front of this artwork; tourists, passersby, Florentine …, nobody was indifferent, everyone was surprised (how nice it can be even …), this aspect is already, for all those who have worked and have strongly supported, synonymous with great success. I am proud to have been present in such an important day!

“Pluto and Proserpina” by Jeff Koons

Side view of “Pluto and Proserpina” in Piazza Signoria in Florence

“Pluto and Proserpina” by Jeff Koons, original image printing

The sculpture “Pluto and Proserpina” represents the two figures embracing, almost dramatically twisted into a whirlpool, sublimation of love, beauty, but also of death. The mirror surface is a “lighthouse” dazzling in one of the most beautiful squares in the world, an interesting contrast with the sculptures in marble and bronze of the square itself. Inspired by the famous work of Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s “The Rape of Proserpina” 1621 – 1622, the sculpture is a fine game of citations and references.However, the addition of live plants, which inevitably will become, day after day, make unique sculpture.

   

Glimpses of the Hall of Audiences, Palazzo Vecchio

“Gazing Ball (Barberini Faun)” by Jeff Koons

Jeff Koons in the press conference in lilies room of the Palazzo Vecchio, behind “Gazing Ball (Barberini Faun)”

   

“Gazing Ball (Barberini Faun)” by Jeff Koons, lilies room in the Palazzo Vecchio

Inside Palazzo Vecchio, in the Room of Lilies, you will instead see “Gazing Ball (Barberini Faun),” a plaster cast of the Barberini Faun of the late Roman period, on which the author has added a mirror ball color light blue. Koons with the series Gazing Ball, with the balls colored, a tribute to his native Pennsylvania that the young artist saw adorn the homes in the suburbs, wants to communicate a message of joy but also of transcendence. The knowledge that the death is an abstract thought. The ball must be read as a symbol of the perfection of the cosmos, infinite and eternal. But also witness the ephemeral lifespan, the balls are indeed fragile, delicate (originally blown glass). And yet, the sphere as “discovery”, through the mirror surface is the chance to the viewer to see beyond our shoulders, to discover up to the far corners ….

Gazing Ball (Barberini Faun) by Jeff Koons. original image

   

Looking out the window, this is the view, breathtaking!

Piazza della Signoria view

Glimpses of the Palazzo Vecchio

Glimpses of the Palazzo Vecchio

Michelangelo’s David (copy marble, original in the Galleria dell’Accademia)

The last time anyone had the honor of having one of his works nell’Arengario Palazzo Vecchio was Baccio Bandinelli, and we talk about 500 years ago ….

“Tulips” by Jeff Koons, Guggenheim Museum of Bilbao

“Rabbit” by Jeff Koons

“Balloon Dog” by Jeff Koons, Pinault Collection

Those who know my work or just my personality, knows that for me art must surprising, create a debate, to talk … but also “express wellbeing”. This is why I like the work of Koons, behind his works, often provocative and amazing, there is a kind of cure for the evil of our time. A playful message that is good for our souls.

Inspiration Koons by Beatrice Brandini

Inspiration Koons by Beatrice Brandini

Jeff Koons

Good life to all!

Beatrice