bio

2. Jeff Koons
b. 1955

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

4. He produces his
sculptures in
stainless steel
with shiny
mirror-finish
surfaces.

5. Michael Jackson and Bubbles, 1988

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

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

8. Balloon Dog

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

11. Hanging Heart, 2006

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

13. 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.

14. 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.”

15. Popeye and Hulk Elvis series 2002

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

17. Jeff Koons is also a painter.
Triple Popeye, 2008

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

19. Critics either love or hate
his art.

20. Some call him a major art-historical importance.

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

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