Jeff Koons. Shine

Responsible for works that have married high and popular culture, Koons regards "shine" as a key feature of his art work, from the postmodern reinvention of the ready-made to works in perfectly polished metal that look like inflatable toys. Indeed, "shine" is far more than an ornament: itis the very substance of these works, as this reflective property brings together form and meaning, appearance and essence. Thanks to more than thirty reflective and brilliant works, from a broad selection of the artist's paintings and sculptures, this volume explores the concept of "shine" from the splendorous to the gleaming, from preciousness to banality, and from being to seeming: an ambiguous game that characterizes Koons's work using materials and subject matter that call into question our relationship with daily reality and with the very concept of a work of art.
"When I deal with reflection and light, - explains Jeff Koons -it's also as the celebration of life energy. The opposite of light is darkness, and these works need light. Without light, they're not seen. Their presence exists, but they can't be a benefit to anyone. They can't be of service. (...) But I find shine is also about philosophically viewing the world as Apollo, or maybe even Silenus or Dionysus would. An optimistic dialogue about becoming is taking place within the work".