If it's art it's art. If it's nart it's nart. Artist Jeff Koons is calling on his lawyers because he is miffed that a San Francisco store is selling bookends that look like a balloon dog.
Jeff Koons is an artist that uses pop culture widely in his work. Would his balloon dog sculpture have been as successful were it not so instantly recognizable? This case draws into focus the difference between being an artist and being a designer. The lines have certainly become blurred.
I am guessing his frustration stems from the fact that his most memorable work was turned into a product without his consent. Koons did popularize the balloon dog as an icon but can he own all likenesses of them? Would professional clowns be in legal trouble for producing them? Would I? Didn't Koons borrow the idea of balloon dogs himself? It is also interesting and ironic to note that he has been sued multiple times for the copyright infringement of images. One could say his entire career has been based on the co-opting of people's/society's work and objects and images.
So, is this a case of egomania? Or an artist rightfully defending a piece of work? Simply a miscommunication regarding the interpretation of a public object? I'm not sure but I hope Damien Hirst doesn't come a-knockin' about my iHirst.
-WONG
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