Where style takes over from content, where the style of the Artist becomes the content, this is an interesting question. When you see work that is extremely visually seductive, my mind immediately goes to that of Jeff Koons. big and brash. Banal reproductions of everyday objects, balloons, old style sculpture with a shiny ball. Are these objects to baffle the viewer. Or are these works a reflection in a mirror held up for us. What is Koons saying, carrying on in the foot steps of Warhol.
I find this work can be view in various way, as funny, whimsical, playful. Maybe it is true that we expect Art work with a capital A should be something serious and meaningful. Personally, I like to see something of the Artist in the work. Work that leaves me not particularly curious, or surprised, or touched, or realising something can be seen in a different way, leave me with the question of WHY. I do find Koon’s work takes all the oxygen out of a space, imposes its will on all around, ungenerous to the viewer. Demands attention like a spoiled child. Maybe it is work of its time, the want it now culture, needs instantly gratified, and never satisfied, in our feed back loop.
However, I think for me the space we crave, a space for self reflection, is the space that Art works can create, and allows the viewer to share in. There is not one way of looking,