The fictitious comic-strip hero was first initiated into the world in 1929, eighty years ago this year. At a time of economic uncertainty and the Great Depression, comfort could be found in this lovable character and his sweetheart; Olive Oyl.
With our current recession hitting us at the moment, it is clearly the optimum time to return to this classic character in the form of Jeff Koons latest series of work.
For a long time i have been greatly influenced by the spectacular metal sculptures which Koons creates. Indeed the Popeye series was no exception of his majestic work and the limitless boundaries he is able to reach with his art.
What surprised me about the exhibition was, however, his oil on canvas paintings which could easily be pages torn from a magazine. They are vivid and captivating, drawing the viewer in to look beneath the surface and come to understand the many complex messages of his work.
Koons' work incorporates themes of childhood innocence, sexuality, banality and consumerism. These paintings and lifelike sculptures are convoluted in their meanings, forcing people to open their eyes to new ideas.
Weblink:
http://www.serpentinegallery.org/2008/06/jeff_koons_popeye_series2_july.html
Review:http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/visual_arts/article6260987.ece
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