The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) has received a remarkable gift from longtime patrons Lynda and Stewart Resnick: Jeff Koons’ monumental sculpture “Split-Rocker.” The 37-foot-tall artwork, created in 2000, will be prominently displayed near the newly constructed galleries endowed by trustee David Geffen. “Split-Rocker” is a unique living sculpture designed to nurture over 50,000 flowering plants. It features two halves of children’s rocking toys—a pony and a dinosaur—split down the middle and paired together for a striking Cubist effect.
The sculpture is made of steel armatures and equipped with an internal irrigation system. Koons expressed his excitement about the acquisition, stating, “I couldn’t be more thrilled than to have a piece of floral work in Los Angeles. I hope people going back and forth on Wilshire Boulevard, and people visiting the museum, are able to enjoy and experience the change in the piece.”
The sculpture has a notable history of installations, having been showcased at prestigious locations such as the Palais des Papes in Avignon, the Château de Versailles, the Fondation Beyeler in Basel, Glenstone in Maryland, and Rockefeller Center in New York City.
LACMA Chief Executive and Director Michael Govan praised Koons’ ability to combine playfulness with deeper artistic meaning. “Uniquely among four of Jeff’s flower sculptures worldwide, Lacma’s will be alive and growing year-round in the mild climate of Southern California,” Govan said.
Landmark sculpture arriving at LACMA
The Resnicks’ donation is a continuation of their long-standing support for LACMA. Lynda Resnick has served on the museum’s board for nearly 25 years and is now a life trustee. The Resnick Pavilion on campus is named in their honor, reflecting their generous contributions.
“Split-Rocker” will be the first outdoor artwork visitors will see when driving west on Wilshire Boulevard from downtown, sitting across from the La Brea Tar Pits’ woolly mammoth family. It joins other notable public art at LACMA, including works by Chris Burden, Michael Heizer, Shio Kusaka, Mariana Castillo Deball, Alexander Calder, and Tony Smith. The acquisition and maintenance of “Split-Rocker” have been made possible by the Resnicks’ support.
LACMA collaborated with local horticulturalists to ensure the selected plants, including native succulents, drought-tolerant species, perennials, and annuals, will thrive throughout the year. “Split-Rocker” is expected to be fully established by April, coinciding with the public opening of architect Peter Zumthor’s new poured concrete building. The sculpture promises to be a vibrant and engaging addition to LACMA’s campus, beckoning passersby to explore the museum further.
