i recently visited the MCA to see the talked-about-all-summer JEFF KOONS exhibit. koons, one of the most intriguing 20th century artists, opened up a studio in soho in the 1980s, hired on 30 assistants, and began to make a name for himself. he was inspired by the dada movement, marcel duchamp, andy warhol, and jasper johns. like them koons used ordinary, commercial and kitsch objects throughout all his work, turning the familiar into beautiful pieces of art. some of his works combine childhood innocence, such as popeye and inflatable floaties, with adult sexuality, like lips and images of the female body.

i have always been a koons fan, agreeing with the saying that "art is all around you". what koons does is exactly that; he places items such as hoover vacuum cleaners in glass display cases or basketballs in tanks of water. it is all about how the viewer chooses to see koons work; either look at it and think 'why is this in a museum' or look at it and think 'i never knew a (fill in the blank) could be so interesting.' koons tries to bring the viewer back to that childlike wonderment. And pieces such as the equilibrium series or the steel balloon-esque sculptures do just that.

i highly recommend this exhibit to anyone in chicago. it lasts till sept 21 so if you live in town or are visiting check it out. well worth the general admission fee of $10. plus they have a wonderful installation by Sarah Sze and an in depth look at Bruce Nauman.