Artist Jeff Koons

If you ever get the chance to check out Jeff Koons’s Studio, I suggest you run to his huge, garagelike Chelsea space. The studio reminds me of Andy Warhol’s Factory, only better lit. It pulses with activity and creativity! For example, although a party was happening to celebrate Koons’s new commission with BMW, a dozen assistants were busily painting, calmly working while the partygoers talked and drank champagne around them.

Artists at Jeff Koons’s studio

BMW Art Car celebrates its 35th year with Koons’s car, due out midyear. An international panel picks an artist who then gets a BMW to decorate however he or she sees fit. The cars in the past have been displayed at the Guggenheim and Louvre — and rightly so, as they are magnificent to see. As they should be, with the likes of Warhol, Robert Rauschenberg, and Alexander Calder all being alumni. This match seems particularly perfect, with Koons, the former Wall Street trader in his nicely tailored suit, looking more like BMW’s clientele than the traditional paint-splattered artist.

A lot of Koons’s work has influences from the ’80s, which I am a sucker for — and I hope to see that look in his finished Art Car. I questioned his studio manager, Gary McCraw, about plans for the car, but he admitted he wasn’t even sure when the car was going to be delivered and was hoping for more details that night.

Jim O’Donnell, president of BMW North America, didn’t reveal any details during his toast, however, instead praising the partnership. Koons seemed just as excited in his speech (and didn’t reveal any information, either).

“I’m just thrilled,” Koons said. “Art tries to connect you. … A series like this does that.”

I can’t wait to see this car; maybe Koons will install flower pots all over it?

PHOTOS: Patrick McMullan/patrickmcmullan.com