Legendary Artist Jeff Koons Speaks about Art and Acceptance
“ Accept and trust in yourself . Focus on your interests . Those interests will connect you to everything .”
These inspiring words were delivered during a master class given in our theatre in early June to our Eighth Grade boys by legendary artist Jeff Koons , the featured speaker at the Frederic ( Eric ) Whitney Wu ’ 14 Alumni Parents Council Lectures . The event , which also included the boys ’ parents and alumni parents in attendance , focused on Koons ’ philosophy about art .
Koons led the audience on a fascinating tour of his works : from his early inflatables and gazing balls to iconic creations like Balloon Dog , and the commemorative “ Bouquet of Tulips ” metal sculpture erected in the wake of terrorist attacks in France in 2015 .
His art , which by turn references the classical art of Greece as well as popular culture , calls upon the viewer to reflect — sometimes literally , as in his mirrored gazing ball sculptures — and to make connections . At Saint David ’ s we speak of the Renaissance ideal — a humanistic concept that embraces the capacity of all human beings to accomplish much across a full spectrum of areas if they possess an open mindedness and willingness to learn and grow . In a similar vein , Koons expressed how effortlessly art can connect people to philosophy , theology , aesthetics , allowing a dialogue in so many disciplines . Everything in life , after all , is related .
“ Art is for your own empowerment ; and you can also use it as a vehicle to empower others . Life in art is about serving and generosity .” Deeply reflective and philosophical , Koons encouraged the boys to “ say yes ” to opportunities when they present , and to allow their true selves to guide them in living fulfilling , happy , and meaningful lives .
The stimulating session ’ s most powerful takeaway was the importance of accepting oneself , with Koons expressing the hope that his greatest contribution will be seen as bringing about acceptance and continuing a dialogue around it . For all of us , selfacceptance is the steppingstone forward to success and fulfillment , providing a catalyst to becoming our best selves .
The Frederic ( Eric ) Whitney Wu ’ 14 Alumni Parents Council Lectures Memorial Fund was established in 2020 in honor of Eric , who lived a short but meaningful life . It supports all aspects of the APC Lecture Series , an experience that Eric treasured as an eighth grader .
The lecture was also a celebration of our “ scholarly and creative ” theme this school year . Our appreciation to Mr . Koons , the Rotter and Wu families , APC Council Chairs Winnie Feng and Annie Haddad , and our Development team for making our graduating class ’ s penultimate week as Saint David ’ s students so special .
GENERATIONS
78 • Saint David ’ s Magazine