Jeff Koons (b. 1955, York, Pennsylvania) is one of the most influential, controversial, and commercially successful artists of our time. Known for his meticulous recreations of banal objects in stainless steel, his appropriation of consumer goods, and his monumental sculptures that combine technical perfection with cultural references, Koons has redefined the boundaries between high art, mass culture, and luxury goods. His work explores themes of celebrity, media, sexuality, and the nature of desire in consumer society, often employing a stark, pristine aesthetic that simultaneously celebrates and critiques contemporary culture.

After studying at the Maryland Institute College of Art and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Koons worked as a Wall Street commodities broker before dedicating himself to art full-time. His breakthrough came with the "Equilibrium" series (1985), featuring basketballs suspended in tanks of distilled water, followed by his "Statuary" series which included the iconic stainless steel "Rabbit" (1986). Through subsequent series including "Banality," "Made in Heaven," "Celebration," "Popeye," "Hulk Elvis," and "Gazing Ball," Koons has continuously reinvented his practice while maintaining his signature blend of technical perfection and cultural commentary. Working with a large studio of assistants in New York, Koons oversees the production of works that sometimes take years to complete, reflecting his commitment to precision and his engagement with advanced manufacturing technologies that push the boundaries of what is possible in art fabrication.

Jeff Koons in his studio, 1997. Credits: Ellen Von Unwerth/Art+Commerce