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LACMA\u2019S GENESIS TALKS<\/strong> launched with a conversation between LACMA CEO and Wallis Annenberg Director Michael Govan (left) and artist Jeff Koons.<\/p>\n The Los Angeles County Museum of Art launched a new quarterly public talk series exploring how creative leaders are impacting the cultural landscape. The Genesis Talks, named for the underwriting support from Hyundai\u2019s Genesis luxury car brand, kicked off the series last month.<\/p>\n LACMA CEO and Wallis Annenberg Director Michael Govan was in conversation with artist Jeff Koons at the David Geffen Theater. Koons\u2019 monumental sculpture \u201cSplit-Rocker\u201d was recently installed outside the museum\u2019s new David Geffen Galleries. The building is scheduled to open in April.<\/p>\n The 37-foot sculpture, a half-pony, half-dinosaur homage to children\u2019s rockers, might best be described as a giant Chia Pet, as it is planted with succulents and perennials and other native plants that will sprout, flower, and grow year-round.<\/p>\n Koons noted that \u201cSplit-Rocker\u201d hosts 45,000 plants, necessitating 45,000 decisions about plant placement and color choices. And yet, since growing flora changes over time, Koons stated, \u201cThe beauty is exercising control and also giving up control.\u201d<\/p>\n Govan added that support for the piece from donors Lynda and Stewart Resnick includes an endowment for ongoing upkeep of the living sculpture.<\/p>\n \u201cSPLIT-ROCKER,\u201d<\/strong> at LACMA by artist Jeff Koons, is covered with 45,000 plants.<\/p>\n Govan first saw an iteration of the piece in France and thought it would become an iconic sculpture in Los Angeles, much like Chris Burden\u2019s beloved \u201cUrban Light.\u201d An earlier Koons planted artwork, \u201cPuppy,\u201d was covered in colorful annuals (which went dormant in winter) and appeared cute and cuddly. Noting that the two halves of Split-Rocker don\u2019t match up because a pony and a dinosaur are shaped differently, Govan said, \u201c\u2018Puppy\u2019 is adorable. \u2018Split-Rocker\u2019 is weird. It references ancient art, the idea of a split. Yin and yang. Sun and moon.\u201d<\/p>\n Koons also explained, \u201cI grew up in York, Pennsylvania. There\u2019s a shoe house there, an example of fantasy architecture. \u2018Split-Rocker\u2019 is in that tradition. In a sense, it offers shelter.\u201d<\/p>\n In fact, Govan reported that the natural environment around the sculpture has been affected, offering shelter to insects and birds not normally seen along the street. \u201cButterflies and bees are on Wilshire Blvd.\u201d<\/p>\n Perhaps best known for his stainless steel \u201cballoon\u201d animal sculptures, Koons is the first authorized artist to exhibit on the moon. In February 2024, his sculpture \u201cMoon Phases\u201d was carried to its final destination by the Odysseus spacecraft. \u201cI enjoy being an artist,\u201d Koons proclaimed. \u201cI feel a responsibility to the community. I want to serve.<\/p>\n \u201cBecause of its scale, [Split-Rocker] is a communal piece. It\u2019s not for an individual to contemplate\u2026 With public art, in some manner you can change lives. It helps people to be open to experience.\u201d<\/p>\n Philanthropist and former president of the Ford Foundation Darren Walker and Los Angeles artist Mark Bradford will discuss how a museum space can spark creativity and community engagement Fri., Jan. 16.<\/p>\n Timed to coincide with the opening of the David Geffen Galleries, Swiss architect Peter Zumthor will focus on how his design of the building shapes the museum experience in spirit.<\/p>\n The Genesis Talks; LACMA; 5909 Wilshire Blvd.; 323-857-6000; lacma.org. <\/p>\n Tickets are $8 for museum members; $10 for the general public. <\/p>\n The Genesis Talks will continue through 2026.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/GEnesis-lacma-koons.jpg\")
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