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Apollo

The Apollo Wind Spinner, a pivotal component of Jeff Koons' Apollo exhibition, stands as a contemporary homage to the ancient Greek god of music, poetry, and the sun. This exhibition, displayed at the DESTE Foundation Project Space on the island of Hydra in 2022, marked Koons' significant return to Greece, showcasing his deep engagement with Greek mythology through modern artistic expression​ (DESTE Foundation)​. The wind spinner, a striking piece within the exhibition, measures 9.1 meters (about 30 feet) in width, making it a monumental piece visible from both the port of Hydra and the path to the Slaughterhouse where the main installation was housed​ (DESTE Foundation)​.


The installation combines Koons' fascination with reflective surfaces and his exploration of mythological themes. The face of the spinner, featuring Apollo, reflects the surroundings and the sky, creating a dynamic interaction between the artwork, its environment, and the viewers. This piece, along with the rest of the exhibition, engages the senses on multiple levels, incorporating elements like music and sage burning to create a multisensory experience that bridges the contemporary with the ancient​ (DESTE Foundation)​.


The Apollo Wind Spinner was so well-received by the community on Hydra that there was a unanimous decision to make it a permanent fixture at the DESTE Slaughterhouse building. This decision underscores the impact of Koons' work, not just within the art world but also in the wider community, blending contemporary art with the rich historical and mythological heritage of Greece​ (DESTE Foundation)​.

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