Creative leaders’ impact is explored in new series hosted by LACMA’s Michael Govan
LACMA’S GENESIS TALKS launched with a conversation between LACMA CEO and Wallis Annenberg Director Michael Govan (left) and artist Jeff Koons.
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’s Genesis luxury car brand, kicked off the series last month.
LACMA CEO and Wallis Annenberg Director Michael Govan was in conversation with artist Jeff Koons at the David Geffen Theater. Koons’ monumental sculpture “Split-Rocker” was recently installed outside the museum’s new David Geffen Galleries. The building is scheduled to open in April.
The 37-foot sculpture, a half-pony, half-dinosaur homage to children’s 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.
Koons noted that “Split-Rocker” hosts 45,000 plants, necessitating 45,000 decisions about plant placement and color choices. And yet, since growing flora changes over time, Koons stated, “The beauty is exercising control and also giving up control.”
Govan added that support for the piece from donors Lynda and Stewart Resnick includes an endowment for ongoing upkeep of the living sculpture.
“SPLIT-ROCKER,” at LACMA by artist Jeff Koons, is covered with 45,000 plants.
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’s beloved “Urban Light.” An earlier Koons planted artwork, “Puppy,” was covered in colorful annuals (which went dormant in winter) and appeared cute and cuddly. Noting that the two halves of Split-Rocker don’t match up because a pony and a dinosaur are shaped differently, Govan said, “‘Puppy’ is adorable. ‘Split-Rocker’ is weird. It references ancient art, the idea of a split. Yin and yang. Sun and moon.”
Koons also explained, “I grew up in York, Pennsylvania. There’s a shoe house there, an example of fantasy architecture. ‘Split-Rocker’ is in that tradition. In a sense, it offers shelter.”
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. “Butterflies and bees are on Wilshire Blvd.”
Perhaps best known for his stainless steel “balloon” animal sculptures, Koons is the first authorized artist to exhibit on the moon. In February 2024, his sculpture “Moon Phases” was carried to its final destination by the Odysseus spacecraft. “I enjoy being an artist,” Koons proclaimed. “I feel a responsibility to the community. I want to serve.
“Because of its scale, [Split-Rocker] is a communal piece. It’s not for an individual to contemplate… With public art, in some manner you can change lives. It helps people to be open to experience.”
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.
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.
The Genesis Talks; LACMA; 5909 Wilshire Blvd.; 323-857-6000; lacma.org.
Tickets are $8 for museum members; $10 for the general public.
The Genesis Talks will continue through 2026.
Category: People
