Jeff Koons is an American artist whose work examines popular culture, often in the form of paintings and sculptures that transform everyday images and objects into works of art that engage the viewer. Most recognizable among these are his balloon animals produced in stainless steel with mirror-finish surfaces.

Born in York, Pennsylvania in 1955; Jeff Koons studied at the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. He received a BFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art in 1976. Since his first solo exhibition in 1980, Koons' work has been shown in major galleries and institutions throughout the world. He lives and works in New York City.