Origins & Early Life

Jeffrey Lynn Koons ( ; born January 21, 1955) 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.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

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. Koons was born in York, Pennsylvania, to Henry Koons and Gloria J. Koons.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

His father was a furniture dealer and interior decorator. His mother was a seamstress. When he was nine years old, his father would place old master paintings that Koons copied and signed in the window of his shop in an attempt to attract visitors. As a child he went door-to-door after...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Akira Toriyama — Contemporary (Born in 1955) (1955): Pioneering manga artist, creator of Dr. Slump and the global phenomenon, Dragon Ball.
• Al Waleed bin Talal Al Saud — Contemporary (Born in 1955) (1955): Saudi billionaire, investor, and influential member of the House of Saud.
• Alain Prost — Contemporary (Born in 1955) (1955): Four-time Formula One World Champion, nicknamed 'The Professor'.
• Alden W. Clausen — Shared historical date (01-21 · Died) (2013): American businessman, former President of the World Bank and Bank of America CEO.
• Aleksei Leontiev — Shared historical date (01-21 · Died) (1979): Founder of Activity Theory, a key figure in Soviet developmental psychology.
• Albert Einstein — Historical peer (Died in 1955) (1955): Pioneering theoretical physicist known for the theory of relativity and E=mc2.
• Alberto Ascari — Historical peer (Died in 1955) (1955): Iconic Italian racing driver, two-time Formula One World Champion for Ferrari.
• Aaron Swartz — Historical peer (Died in 2013) (2013): Pioneering programmer, activist, and hacktivist known for RSS, Markdown, and progressive organizing.
• Arthur Danto — Historical peer (Died in 2013) (2013): Philosopher and art critic known for 'The End of Art' theory.
• Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi — Historical peer (Died in 2019) (2019): Iraqi militant leader and founder of the Islamic State (IS)
• 1955 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1955
• January 21 (01-21) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on January 21