Jeff Koons Delivers Master Class on Art and Acceptance to Saint David's Eighth Graders

“Accept and trust in yourself. Focus on your interests. Those interests will connect you to everything."

These inspiring words were delivered during a master class given last Thursday in our theatre to our eighth grade boys by legendary artist Jeff Koons, the featured speaker at the Frederic (Eric) Wu ’14 Alumni Parents Council Lectures. The event, which also included the boys' parents and alumni parents in attendance, focused on Koons' philosophy about art.

Koons led us on a fascinating tour of his works: from his early inflatables and gazing balls to the iconic creations like "Balloon Dog" and the commemorative "Bouquet of Tulips" metal sculpture, erected in the wake of terrorist attacks in France in 2015.

His art, which by turn references the classical art of Greece as well as popular culture, calls upon the viewer to reflect —sometimes literally, as in his mirrored gazing ball sculptures — and to make connections. At Saint David’s, we speak of the Renaissance ideal—a humanistic concept that embraces the capacity of all human beings to accomplish much across a full spectrum of areas if they possess an open mind and willingness to learn and grow. In a similar vein, Koons noted how effortlessly art can connect people to philosophy, theology, aesthetics, allowing a dialogue in so many disciplines. Everything in life, after all, is related.

"Art is for your own empowerment; and you can also use it as a vehicle to empower others. Life in art is about serving and generosity.” Deeply reflective and philosophical, Koons encouraged the boys to “say yes” to opportunities when they present, and to allow their true selves to guide them in living fulfilling, happy, and meaningful lives.

The stimulating session's most powerful takeaway was the importance of accepting oneself, with Koons expressing the hope that his greatest contribution will be seen as bringing about acceptance and continuing a dialogue around it. For all of us, self-acceptance is the steppingstone forward to success and fulfillment, providing a catalyst to becoming our best selves.

The Frederic (Eric) Wu’ 14 Memorial Fund was established in 2020 in honor of Eric who lived a short but meaningful life. It supports all aspects of the Alumni Parents Council Lecture Series, an experience that Eric treasured as an eighth grader.

Thursday’s lecture was also a celebration of our "scholarly and creative" theme this school year. Our appreciation to Mr. Koons, the Rotter and Wu families, Alumni Parents Council Chairs Winnie Feng and Annie Haddad, and our Development team for making our graduating class's penultimate week as Saint David’s students so special.

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David O'Halloran, Headmaster - Saint David's School, New York City

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