Michael Jackson and Bubbles at the LACMA

Michael Jackson's public memorial service takes places at the Staples Center tomorrow, July 7. More than 1 million people have put their names in a lottery to get the chance to attend. But only 17,500 will actually be allowed in. Public officials are warning the rest to stay home. I heard the police department has a budget for the event but the city's broke and will have trouble getting enough employees to clean up after it.

Realistically, most Angelinos will not be able to attend the gathering for the King of Pop. But there is another homage to the performer in LA, that's a lot more accessible to the public. Artist Jeff Koons' ceramic sculpture "Michael Jackson and Bubbles" (1988) sits at the LACMA as part of Eli Broad's collection.

LACMA's Unframed blog is calling it a "monument to the king of pop." the LA Times' Culture Monster blog chimed in with a more general post on Jackson's influence on artists, throwing Andy Warhol into the mix too.

Personally I prefer the Koons piece (pictured above). I think he and Jackson shared a whimsical, childlike energy. I remember interviewing the artist a while back. He posed for photographer Terry Richardson peek-a-booing behind one of his art pieces, sticking his tongue out and waving his hands like a little kid.

The Broad Art Foundation, Santa Monica / © Jeff Koons