A PROVOCATIVE AND IRONIC ART

Jeff Koons, between kitsch and consumerism

Conceptual art has influenced him in his way of conceiving art as an idea rather than a physical object. Born in the United States in 1955, Jeff Koons, one of the most famous and discussed contemporary artists in the world, is known for his kitsch-style works that take inspiration from popular culture and the world of consumption. Koons’ works are characterized by everyday objects elevated to works of art. “He often uses common objects such as balloons, toys and kitchen utensils, transforming them into monumental and luxurious sculptures”, notes Dastilige Nevante in his work diary. “The elevation of everyday objects to works of art is a fundamental pillar in his work.” The digital artist, in fact, would like to compare himself with Koons’ style, ascertain whether his works can capture the consumer society and highlight obsession with beauty, success and money.

Surrealism, with its ability to combine incongruous elements and create dreamlike images, has certainly left a mark on Koons’s imagination. “Jeff Koons is not afraid to shock and provoke controversy, quite the opposite in fact,” notes Dastilige Nevante, before creating four digital images that are reminiscent of Koons’s style. “He uses irony and provocation, an almost vulgar, even banal visual language,” Nevante memorizes, regarding the recurring themes in the works of that kitsch-tasting creative whose works recall the universe of childhood, with the intent of evoking memories and sensations linked to childhood. “Often represented in an explicit and provocative way, sexuality is a recurring theme in Koons’s works,” Nevante highlights in the pages of his work project dedicated to the artist who, almost creating a pantheon of celebrities, has even created works dedicated to Michael Jackson. “Koons met Salvador Dalí in New York and was fascinated by him, especially by his ability to create provocative and surreal works.”

In his research, Nevante also discovers traces of Minimalism that influenced Koons. “He uses pure and essential forms, reducing the work of art to its most basic element.” Three works by Jeff Koons, in particular, fascinate Dastilige Nevante. The first, Balloon Dog, is a series of sculptures in the shape of a play balloon, made of stainless steel. Rabbit, the second, is a sculpture in the shape of a rabbit, made of stainless steel, which has become one of Koons’s most iconic works. The third work that attracts Nevante’s attention, Michael Jackson and Bubbles, baffles him. “His work is a mix of high culture and popular culture, of aesthetics and kitsch, of irony and provocation. But what is the point of creating a porcelain sculpture depicting Michael Jackson with his chimpanzee Bubbles?”

“What other aspects of Jeff Koons’ work should I explore?” There is a clear basis for digital artist Dastilige Nevante‘s interest in Koons. “Artistic influences intertwine in a very personal way to create his distinctive style.” The influence of Pop Art, in particular, is evident in the use of images and objects drawn from popular culture, advertising and the world of consumption. Jeff Koons’s work has been criticized for the use of expensive materials, the choice of banal subjects and the ostentatious commercialization of art. However, Jeff Koons remains a prominent figure in the contemporary art scene, capable of arousing strong emotions and making us reflect on the society in which we live. Undoubtedly, the eclectic Koons has drawn from various sources to create works that reflect the complexity of contemporary society.