“What is that?”

“It isn’t real Play-Doh?”

“What’s it made of?”

“Can I touch it?”

These were some of the recurring questions asked during the Try This! Gallery Experiments family program in the exhibition Jeff Koons: A Retrospective on Saturday, October 18.  

On the floor were the five examples of sculpture materials from Koons’s studio: transparent yellow-coated stainless steel, milled granite, polished stainless steel, lightweight polyurethane, and painted aluminum. Surprisingly, more adults participated in the activity than children. It was fascinating to see how the participants reacted when they found out they could actually touch the materials. It was even more intriguing to see how everyone touched the objects as if they were extraterrestrial creatures. Some poked at the materials to make sure the samples were real while others dragged their hands across the different textures and surfaces.

The children were not afraid to ask any question and daring enough to feel the objects as they pleased. They asked questions such as “Is the artist dead?” and “Can I carry it?” They listened to every pearl of wisdom offered by Lisa, the museum educator. A brother and sister became so attached to the activity station that they lingered around for forty-five minutes. The adults, on the other hand, were more cautious about the samples and more inquisitive about the art. They asked Lisa about Koons’s materials and processes.

By taking part in this activity, I’ve seen how art can bring people together in a new way. Art calls for interaction and collaboration, giving people the freedom to express their thoughts and simultaneously nourish their curiosity. Art levels the playing field, allowing each individual to interpret what they see in his or her unique way. Through art, I’ve been able to open my mind to a world full of endless possibilities, ideas, and questions.

By Jejomar, YI Leader