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2000s
2000s

In the 2000s, Claes Oldenburg, along with his partner Coosje van Bruggen, continued to create monumental and iconic public artworks that further solidified their status as leading figures in the world of contemporary art. Their collaborative spirit was particularly emphasized during this period, showcasing a harmonious blend of Oldenburg's pop art sensibilities with van Bruggen's critical and conceptual contributions. The decade saw them undertaking ambitious projects that often involved transforming everyday objects into monumental sculptures, thereby challenging perceptions and engaging public spaces in new and thought-provoking ways. Among their notable works from this era is the large-scale sculpture Dropped Bouquet (2021), which, although fabricated post-2000s, was conceived during this productive time before van Bruggen's death in 2009. This piece, along with others, continued to explore themes of consumerism, everyday life, and the blurring of boundaries between art and ordinary objects. Their work during this period was characterized by a playful yet critical approach to the objects and symbols of everyday life, bringing them into the public domain in unexpected and often whimsical ways. Their projects from the 2000s were not just artistic endeavors but also intellectual partnerships that explored the intersections of art, architecture, and public space. Through their sculptures and installations, Oldenburg and van Bruggen invited viewers to reconsider the familiar, transforming mundane objects into sources of wonder and contemplation. This period of their work underscored their unique ability to infuse the common with a sense of grandeur and significance, making the ordinary extraordinary. The exhibitions and retrospectives of their work from this era, such as the one presented by Pace Gallery, also highlighted the significant impact of their collaboration on the landscape of contemporary art. These exhibitions provided insights into their creative process, from conceptual sketches to the realization of their monumental works, and underscored the depth of their intellectual and creative partnership. Claes Oldenburg's art in the 2000s, in collaboration with Coosje van Bruggen, continued to push the boundaries of public art by introducing humor, scale, and an inventive reinterpretation of everyday objects into the urban landscape. Their work from this period is a testament to their enduring legacy in the realm of contemporary sculpture and their significant contribution to the dialogue between art and the public space​ (Pace Gallery)​​ (Artland Magazine)​.