Jeff Koons is an American artist known for his controversial and thought-provoking artworks that often challenge traditional notions of art and its boundaries. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential and prominent artists of the 20th and 21st centuries, and his works have fetched record-breaking prices at auctions.

Born in 1955 in York, Pennsylvania, Koons grew up in a working-class family and initially pursued a career in art merchandising. However, his interest in art led him to enroll at the Maryland Institute College of Art, where he studied painting and sculpture.

Koons' early works, such as his iconic "Balloon Dog" sculptures, were made from stainless steel and featured depictions of ordinary objects, like inflatable toys and consumer goods. These works were part of his "Banality" series, which aimed to blur the lines between high art and popular culture, challenging the notion of what constitutes art.

Throughout his career, Koons has explored various themes and mediums, including large-scale sculptures, paintings, and installations. His works often incorporate elements of kitsch, pop culture, and commercial imagery, creating a unique blend of high art and mass-produced objects.

One of Koons' most famous works is the "Celebration" series, which features large-scale sculptures of balloon animals and other festive objects. These works, created in the late 1990s and early 2000s, were meant to celebrate the joys of life and the beauty of everyday objects.

Koons' art has been both celebrated and criticized for its bold and provocative nature. While some critics have praised his ability to challenge traditional art conventions and explore the intersection of art and popular culture, others have criticized his works as shallow and vapid.

Despite the controversies surrounding his art, Koons has achieved immense commercial success. His works have fetched record-breaking prices at auctions, with his "Rabbit" sculpture selling for $91.1 million in 2019, setting a new record for a living artist's work solda at auction.