Jeff Koons
Puppy - stainless steel, wood (at Arolsen only), soil, geotextile fabric, internal irrigation system, live flowering plants 486 x 486 x 256 inches 1234.4 x 1234.4 x 650.2 cm 1995 |
Jeff Koons's artwork 'Puppy', acted as a symbol of happiness and love, displayed along side the Sydney Harbour. It was no doubt that Koons's piece captured the attention of the public, yet it also had a deeper meaning to it. At first glance of this artwork, one would not think that it represented the idea of "consumption". However after searching the deeper meaning behind the word, I discovered that the idea had a lot more in common with this artwork that I initially thought. This is articulated in terms of ephemerality and therefore the consumption of something that is only temporary. Jeff Koons's material practice gives expression to the idea of ephemerality and ultimately consumption, with his use of flowers. When something is consumed it means that it is either used up or decomposed, which is represented in the flowers as they will eventually deteriorate and die. Ultimately making the piece ephemeral.
"Puppy is a piece about love and happiness" - Jeff Koons |