Jeff Koons (b. 1955) is an American artist known for transforming everyday objects into bold, often oversized works that blur the line between high art and popular culture. A leading figure in contemporary art, Koons rose to fame in the 1980s with his playful, polished sculptures, including his iconic “Balloon Dog” series—stainless steel pieces that mimic the lightness and whimsy of a party balloon. His work challenges traditional ideas of taste, beauty, and consumerism, inviting both admiration and debate. Koons’ sculptures are held in major museums around the world, including the Chrysler Museum of Art.