Jeff Koons Essay

Throughout this essay, the everyday object in the work of Jeff Koons will be explored whilst also exploring some of Koons most significant pieces. Jeff Koons has been described as ‘’the most important artist of his generation’’ and ‘‘the most influential’’ according to (Rothkopf, 2014) the author of ‘A Retrospective’ a book on Koons’ art work. Koons is undoubtedly one of the most controversial artists as his artwork explores issues relating to all aspects of life and his own view.
In 1980, Koons first solo show was previewed. Koons style was belonging to the pop art movement, although his work could also be described as conceptual and appropriate to the use of transforming ordinary household objects into masterpieces. Koons tested the boundaries’
The twelve feet high sculpture is made out of stainless steel with transparent colour coating, it can also be compared to an oversized child’s toy. Koons has designed five of these artworks and they consist of the colours blue, red, yellow and magenta. Koons spoke about his artwork and according to Arsenovic, (2013) ‘When I made the ‘balloon dog’, I wanted to make a piece that reflected the joy of celebrating a birthday or a party. The balloon dog is materialism and monumentality. In many ways it is like the Trojan horse’. Koons plays on the everyday object and his use of the balloon dog highlights his work. Koons is known worldwide for his sculptures and this particular piece of art was sold for $58.4 million making it ‘the most expensive work by a living artist sold at auction’ according to New York Times. Koons uses his lack of drawing, painting and sculpture to his advantage, as alternatively he writes down his ideas and notes. He does not make his ideas but instead employee’s craftsmen or the thirty-five employees that he has hired in his studio to make his designs into finished artwork. Koons often describes his lack of craftsman ship by saying ‘I am basically the idea person. I am not physically involved in the production. I do not have the necessary abilities, so I got the top people’ (Powers, 2012). Often described as a perfectionist Koons makes sure all his sculptures are to his highest
Koons plays on the factor that these certain holidays are associated with presents or products of sorts. Although from first glance the viewer may find a ‘large blue diamond’ that resembles one of a reality size ring. It is in fact, a high chromium stainless steel with transparent colour casting; it is highly polished to give that ‘shine’ affect. Blue diamond, has its clique manner as it is compared to the sort of gifts that are received. Koons has been very open to the other reference he has relating to this piece of work, as he states a sexual nature towards the ‘Blue Diamond’. Artdaily quoted Koons’ on his use of sexual references in his artwork; ‘’Sexuality is the principal object of art. It’s about the preservation of the species. Procreation is a priority. But this also has a spiritual aspect for me. It’s about the way that we have children.” Sex is a theme that is portrayed in Koons work that makes his work unconventional to certain viewers. Koons went into further detail of the ‘Blue Diamond’ by implying, (annon, 2014) “The diamond is seven feet wide. The stone is attached to a ring by four prongs. For me, the prongs are like sperm attacking an ovum. The facets of the diamond are the egg in the process of being