Jeff Koonsb. 1955

Jeff Koons is an American artist, famous for his reproductions of everyday objects, like balloon animals.

He produces his sculptures in

stainless steel with shiny

mirror-finish surfaces.

Michael Jackson and Bubbles, 1988

Puppy, a 43 ft tall topiary sculpture of a West Highland White Terrier, executed in flowers ; including Marigolds, Begonias, Impatiens, Petunias, and Lobelias.

Koons series entitled Celebration consisting of large-scale sculptures and paintings of balloon dogs, Valentine hearts, diamonds, and Easter eggs, was conceived in 1994.

Balloon Dog

Balloon Dog (Orange) by Jeff Koons was sold for $58.4 million, becoming “the most expensive work by a living artist sold at auction.”

Hanging Heart, 2006

What would you do if you had the money to buy Jeff Koons’ famous “Diamond” sculpture? Where would you place your new bling?

Richard Perry bought the sculpture for 2.3 million

dollars in 2005 and installed his flashy green

diamond on his roof using a crane in 2007.

That’s when the complaints

started coming in.

The 5ft tall (the size of a buffalo) stainless steel metallic sculpture reflected the sun into “laser beam” rays into his neighbors’ windows. The diamond had to be adjusted and angled so it wouldn’t blind his neighbors.

One neighbor commented “I think it’s as ugly as it comes.”

Popeye and Hulk Elvis series 2002

This sculpture he produced of a Popeye toy was sold for $28.2 million.

Jeff Koons is also a painter. Triple Popeye, 2008

In 2013, Koons collaborated with American singer-songwriter and performance artist Lady Gaga for her third studio album, ARTPOP

Critics either love or hate his art.

Some call him a major art-historical importance.

Others say his work is too commercial and that he only makes art to make

money.

Koons has said there are no hidden meanings in his art.