Jeff Koons: 2000 Words

by Jeff Koons (Artist), Massimiliano Gioni (Editor), Karen Marta (Editor)

Jeff Koons (born 1955) became prominent in the mid-1980s by targeting the meaning of art and spectacle in a media-saturated era. Since his first solo exhibition which consisted of small-scale assemblages of toys and found objects, his later works evolved into the now iconic monumental pieces which can be found permanently installed at the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. His methodical inquiry into the ways in which everyday items become works of art by reflecting our desires draws attention to the continuity of images as they pass through time, combining art historical references with colloquial imagery.

This monograph, part of the 2000 Words series published by DESTE, features an essay by Massimiliano Gioni and Natalie Bell, which examines Koons’ parallels to Duchamp and the function of readymades over the course of his career. Koons has created a prophecy fueled by the ecstasy of materialism, where the image or object becomes its own ouroboros―consuming itself.

144 pages, Paperback

Published January 28, 2020

About the author

Jeffrey Lynn Koons is an American artist recognized for his work dealing with popular culture and his sculptures depicting everyday objects, including balloon animals produced in stainless steel with mirror-finish surfaces. He lives and works in both New York City and his hometown of York, Pennsylvania. His works have sold for substantial sums, including at least two record auction prices for a work by a living artist: US$58.4 million for Balloon Dog (Orange) in 2013 and US$91.1 million for Rabbit in 2019.
Critics come sharply divided in their views of Koons. Some view his work as pioneering and of major art-historical importance. Others dismiss his work as kitsch, crass, and based on cynical self-merchandising. Koons has stated that there are no hidden meanings or critiques in his works.

Reviews

[Seven Pesos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredible.

I hate non-artists writing about artists, therefore I did not enjoy the opening essay.

Otherwise, Koon's work is excellent - very playful, funny (tongue in cheek), and lives and dies in the world of pop. I cried tears of joy + laughter seeing his Art Ad Portfolio (1988-1989). I love the rubber and plastic forms present in his work.

I responded very strongly and positively to a lot of these pieces and I want to go back and spend some more time staring at the pictures. Amazing.