Jeff Koons

Jeff Koons – Neo-Pop / Appropriation
Full Name: Jeffrey Lynn Koons

Education: Art Institute of Chicago, Maryland Institute College of Art

Movement: Neo-Pop, Appropriation, Conceptual Art
Style: Monumental sculptures in mirror-polished stainless steel, works inspired by popular culture
Artistic Journey

Jeff Koons began his career in New York in the 1970s by using everyday objects to create pop and conceptual artworks. He gained recognition in the 1980s with the Banality series and the sculpture Rabbit (1986). Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, he produced his most iconic monumental sculptures such as Balloon Dog and Tulips, exploring themes of consumerism and popular culture. His recent projects include experimental works like Moon Phases.
Major Works
Balloon Dog (1994–2000) — A symbol of childhood and lightness; a monumental reinterpretation of a balloon toy.
Rabbit (1986) — A representation of an inflatable bunny—humorous yet technically perfect.Became an icon of contemporary art and set a record for a living artist’s work ($91.1 million).
Michael Jackson and Bubbles (1988) — Depicts Michael Jackson with his chimpanzee Bubbles. A critique of celebrity culture, kitsch, and media representation.
Play-Doh (1994–2014) — A hyper-realistic imitation of modeling clay, evoking creativity and childhood. Massive dimensions: several tons and meters high.
Tulips (1995–2004) — A bouquet of tulips in mirror-polished stainless steel. Explores beauty and kitsch elevated to monumental art.
Gazing Ball (2013–2015) — Works combining replicas of classical sculptures with reflective blue gazing balls. Engages the viewer, who sees themselves in the ball. Creates a dialogue between art history and the contemporary world.
Moon Phases (2024) — 125 small spheres sent to the Moon as part of a space mission. Honors historical figures and marks the first authorized artwork on the Moon. Explores the idea of art in an extraterrestrial context.
Style and Influences

Fusion of kitsch, pop culture, and high-tech materials.
Transformation of ordinary objects into monumental sculptures.
Materials: mirror-polished stainless steel, porcelain, aluminum.
Recognition and Legacy

Works held in major museums: Guggenheim (New York), Centre Pompidou (Paris), Tate Modern (London).
Record: Rabbit sold for $91.1 million (most expensive work by a living artist).
Quote

"Art should be optimistic and uplifting."