News Summary
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art has announced the acquisition of Jeff Koons’ topiary sculpture, Split-Rocker. Standing at 37 feet tall and made from over 50,000 living plants, the piece will be a stunning addition to the upcoming David Geffen Galleries. With its playful design and sustainable focus, Split-Rocker aims to enhance the museum’s outdoor space and engage visitors passing by on Wilshire Boulevard. The sculpture reflects Koons’ imaginative inspiration from childhood toys and reinforces LACMA’s commitment to community and public art.
Los Angeles, CA – The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) has announced the acquisition of Jeff Koons’ renowned topiary sculpture, “Split-Rocker,” which will serve as a centerpiece for the upcoming David Geffen Galleries building. The monumental piece, standing at an impressive 37 feet tall, will feature over 50,000 living flowering plants and is set to be seeded in August 2025, with a full bloom expected by April 2026.
The sculpture is designed as a whimsical combination of two halves of toy rockers: a horse and a dinosaur. This playful fusion employs a Cubist-like aesthetic, created from steel armatures and designed to incorporate an internal irrigation system to ensure the health of the plants throughout the year. LACMA’s CEO expressed enthusiasm for utilizing native succulents and drought-resistant flora to create a vibrant and sustainable color palette for the installation.
Located across from the La Brea Tar Pits, “Split-Rocker” will be the first outdoor artwork visible to visitors driving west on Wilshire Boulevard. This placement is intended to enhance LACMA’s 3.5-acre park space by introducing a unique architectural accent that engages both drivers and pedestrian visitors alike.
The funding for this acquisition and its continued upkeep is generously provided by the foundation of donors Lynda and Stewart Resnick. LACMA collaborated with local horticultural specialists to determine the most suitable plants that will thrive in this outdoor setting while enhancing the visual impact of the sculpture.
The installation of “Split-Rocker” will enrich LACMA’s existing collection of public artworks, which includes significant pieces like Chris Burden’s “Urban Light” and Michael Heizer’s “Levitated Mass.” Unlike other floral sculptures created by Koons in the past, “Split-Rocker” will be a permanent installation, taking advantage of the favorable climate conditions found in Southern California.
Previously, “Split-Rocker” has been displayed in prestigious locations around the world, including the Palais des Papes in France, the stunning gardens of the Château de Versailles, and atop a rooftop at Rockefeller Center in New York. Notably, the sculpture exists in an edition of one plus one artist proof; LACMA has acquired the artist proof, whereas the primary edition is located at Glenstone Museum.
Jeff Koons was inspired to create the sculpture after observing his son play with a rocking horse and a dinosaur toy. This imaginative concept reflects his intent to blend nostalgic childhood elements with contemporary artistic expression. The inclusion of art in public domains, according to LACMA’s leadership, is critical for exposing children and the community at large to rich cultural experiences.
The new David Geffen Galleries, designed by acclaimed architect Peter Zumthor, is poised to enhance LACMA’s civic presence and will incorporate various public event spaces. In addition to “Split-Rocker,” the plaza surrounding the galleries will showcase additional outdoor art installations from various artists, continuing LACMA’s mission of merging art with public environments.
“Split-Rocker” stands as a testament to LACMA’s ongoing commitment to fostering community engagement and making art accessible to all. The museum aims to create a dynamic intersection between art, nature, and public interaction, elevating the cultural landscape of Los Angeles.
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- Designboom
- Los Angeles Times
- Artlyst
- The Art Newspaper
- FAD Magazine
- Wikipedia: Jeff Koons
- Google Search: Jeff Koons Split-Rocker
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jeff Koons
- Google News: Jeff Koons LACMA
- Google Scholar: Jeff Koons Split-Rocker
