The Smile as Philosophy
I want to create art that gives people joy. A smile is the most important thing in the world.
Jeff Koons
American artist famous for monumental steel sculptures exploring pop culture and consumerism.
All moments: Jeff Koons
- Luxury as Language — Jeff Koons
Luxury means freedom. When I create shiny, gilded, expensive, I'm saying something about the desire to be free.
- Youth and Ambition — Jeff Koons
Young artists should be fearless. Confidence is the foundation of success in art.
- The Legacy of the Balloon — Jeff Koons
The balloon is a symbol of childhood, innocence, joy. I take the everyday and make it sacred.
- The Transcendence of Sculpture — Jeff Koons
Sculpture can be spiritual. Even the most material object can elevate you to something higher.
- Sanitized Beauty — Jeff Koons
Beauty is everywhere. In synthetics, in plastics, in what others call tasteless. I just reveal it.
- Objects of Desire — Jeff Koons
Consumer culture is interesting not because it's bad. It's interesting because it reflects our dreams and fears.
Related moments
- Birth of a Legend — Paul McCartney
The Beatles were about growth. We changed every single day.
- All Music Is Folk Music — Louis Armstrong
All music is folk music. I ain't never heard a horse sing a song.
- The Power of Compassion — Michael Jackson
The most important thing is love and compassion. They override everything.
- Alien Artist — David Bowie
I never tried to fit in. I prefer to be myself, even if it's alien.
- The Humility of the Great — André 3000
I just play the flute in the park. I don't need a stage or an audience. The music is enough
- The Soul of Music — Questlove
Soul is what makes music real. It's what people feel