In a world where most talented artists are starving, anyone getting paid millions looks overrated. But if anyone is worthy of that caliber of payment, as well as historical appreciation, it is Jeff Koons.

He is one of the most innovate conceptual artists of the modern era. He was especially dominant in the 80s, with pieces like his 1986 Rabbit a classic representation of the best art from that era.

It stands today as an icon.

The piece was a simple Easter bunny rabbit enlarged and made of all mirrors. In this way the viewer is made part of the experience, with their face reflected and distorted no matter what angle they approach from. This piece among others helps symbolize his connection with Warhol through his desire to construct consumerism as art.

He is also not afraid to make commentary with his work. In the 80s he had a series of pieces called "Banality" which featured many reaction provoking pieces. That is one of the things about this artist: no one has a moderate opinion of him. This is of course how it is with all great artists....

One of the most noteworthy pieces in that particular collection is called "Michael Jackson and Bubbles" and involves a golden King of Pop sitting on a blanket with a monkey sitting on him. It is large and gets your attention by virtue of its dimensions. It keeps it with the statement: Jackson's skin is porcelain.

The subtle backlash to this man's work is actually an expected reaction to anything that reaches significant popularity in this day and age. The world is subjective and no one will ever agree on everything. The opinions vary more than even the artwork. And even if somehow everyone did like the same thing, many would rebel against the status quo simply out of a need to avoid conformity. Dissenting views are vital, and in this case, you can at least see where they are coming from...

Visually the work has room for complaint, form a certain point of view. The work can seem as if it were produced by a machine and not a man. It is all shiny and sometimes seems hard to appreciate as having come from a breathing, living human being. But even though the visages are lifeless, the message is eternal, and that is where the passion comes from, and the respect. One of the great conceptual artists of all time, Koons is anything but overrated.

Learn more about this author, Royce Radcliffe.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Contemporary art: Is Jeff Koons' art overrated??
We want to hear your view. Write now!