From Bunnies to BMW: Jeff Koons and the Art Car

There are definitely second acts, even 35th acts, in the art world. BMWs Art Car turns 35 this year, with a pantheon of artists who have taken on the art car design challenge including Alexander Calder, Olafur Eliasson, Andy Warhol, Jenny Holzer, and David Hockney. Yes, the girlz are outnumbered in this crowd. The announcement occurred yesterday in Jeff Koonss New York studio where the former stockbroker known for following Warhols dictates and never letting his image fall second to his work looked mighty pleased, but then again Koons, who has also decorated yachts, often has a smile on his face.

This February also marks the month that the artist also will curate, at the New Museum in New York, the Dakis Joannou collection. The Greek contemporary art patron has been a major patron of Koonss, so back in the fall this total-insider-ness had art bloggers like MAN typically seething. Museums, ah! The public trust, ooh! Boards and patrons, Lisa Phillips, shocking! Ah well. BMW no doubt figures the publicity is good for business. As did Andy. And his heir apparent in mylar and lame.

Top photo: 2007 BMW H2R by Olafur Eliasson – front side view