CBS 2 At The Met

CBS 2 At The Met: Jeff Koons On The Roof

NEW YORK (CBS) ― Vibrant colors against a summer sky on the Met's Cantor Roof Garden. Visitors can see these sculptures by American artist Jeff Koons in the museum's 10,000 square foot open air space, easily accessible by elevators. Koons' is the eleventh consecutive single-artist outdoor show here at the Met, complimented with views of the city skyline and Central Park.

A family told CBS 2's Dana Tyler, "We love it! It's so joyful and just makes the whole roof come alive with color, it's wonderful!"

Koons designed "Balloon Dog," "Sacred Heart," and "Coloring Book" in 1994. But, they took years to complete.

It's the first time these stainless steel works have been on public display. We caught up with Koons on a chilly April day when his mega sculptures where installed. Koons said, "I do love color and art. It's a very optimistic medium. These works for me, anchor and clarify for me how wonderful life is."

In "Sacred Heart," the New York artist says Baroque style, Minimalism and Christian iconography, all played into his design. But then again, he also sees it simply as a gift-wrapped present.

Jeff Koons says he wants his art to reach as broad an audience as possible, and this show does just that. We've been to manyexhibitions on the roof and never seen as many children as we have today.

Kids of all ages, get up close to the vibrant art. "Balloon Dog" reminds Koons of a mythic ancient sculpture that could have some some Greek and Roman roots. But talk to kids and you picture a clown making a squeaky toy. And the artist loves that reaction, too. Koons said, "That dog looks like a baloon but it's not because it's metal. If it was a balloon it would blow off into the sky!"

Another visitor commented, "It's very realistic, you almost have to ask if it is a balloon!"

Koons "Coloring Book" is a modern take on the classic "Winnie The Pooh" series of books. Up close you see Pooh's pal Piglet in living color.

You can spend lots of time up here looking at the art of Jeff Koons. There's even a drinks and snack bar, which is open Friday and Saturday nights until 9pm. See the art of "Jeff Koons On The Roof," when the weather's nice, now through October 26th.

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