Description of and background on Sacramento Golden 1 Center “Coloring Book #4”, a sculpture created by well-known sculptor Jeff Koons.
The highly anticipated Jeff Koons Coloring Book #4 sculpture was officially unveiled on September 26. The $8 million sculpture is located at the main entrance of the Golden 1 Center (aka the Sacramento Kings arena). The sculpture has been the subject of some controversy – as public art often is.
About Coloring Book #4
The colorful 18-foot high mirror-polished stainless steel sculpture is part of Koons “Celebration” series. Coloring Book #4 (aka Piglet) was, according to the artist, inspired by visualizing a young child coloring over the lines of an image of Piglet. Piglet, as you may recall, is a good friend of Winnie the Pooh.
With an $8 million price tag the sculpture is Sacramento’s most expensive piece of public art to date. Piglet is the first version of the Celebration series to be permanently displayed in a public space, and it is the first work by Jeff Koons to be purchased by a municipality.
SacramentoRevealed.com – All Things Sacramento (from a personal perspective)
Piglet and other works of art inside and outside of the Golden 1 Center were partially funded to comply with the Sacramento Art in Public Places program. The program requires that a percentage of the construction budget for public projects be allocated for public art.
Jeff Koons lives and works in New York City – which was part of the controversy associated with the selection of Piglet as the Golden 1 Center’s signature artwork. Helping to smooth the way – a $1 million donation by Marcy Friedman for additional Golden 1 Center works of art by local artists.
Koon Interview
Prior to viewing Piglet in person, I attended Jeff Koons and Hunter Drohojowska-Philp in Conversation at the Crocker Art Museum. The conversation took place the same day as the unveiling. The Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission (SMAC) has been presenting a “Remarkable Artists” series of conversations with distinguished artists.
Koons work has been shown in major galleries and institutions throughout the world, and he is the recipient of numerous awards and honors.
Drohojowska-Philp, who interviewed Koons, writes about modern and contemporary art, architecture and design and as a critic she has contributed regularly to Art News, Artnet and is now art critic for KCRW radio (89.9 fm).
In the Crocker Art Museum auditorium the two sat on the stage and discussed for slightly over an hour a series of Koons artworks and what inspired them. The works of art were projected on a large screen behind the two as they chatted.
When specifically discussing the evolution of “Coloring Book #4” Koons stated that it brought to mind to him a “time of no judgement” when one “can’t do anything wrong”.
Koons body of work is quite varied and he has certainly been prolific! Throughout the conversation when discussing his work Koons returned to the theme of self-acceptance. As an artist he said that he follows his interests and by so focusing one becomes open to things which in turn lead to other things.
On a personal note Koons mentioned that he has eight children and that he has a local connection – his mother-in-law lives in Sacramento.
To Sum Up
To sum up, I had an opportunity to view Piglet in person on October 1, the official opening day of the Golden 1 Center. I know that some folks will love it – and other hate it. My take on a personal level is – I expect it will grow on me over time.
Comments on Coloring Book #4 (aka Piglet)?
What is your take on Piglet?
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I enjoyed Piglet, but was sorry it will be judged by it’s price.
Thanks for commenting!