The moon’s allure and mystique captivated Jeff Koons ’76 (General Fine Arts BFA) inspiring him to create the first "authorized" and legitimized artwork to be permanently installed on the lunar surface. Titled Moon Phases, this ambitious composition embodies Koons’ imaginative vision, curiosity, and determination, offering a new perspective for reflection and contemplation.

In 2023, Moon Phases hitched a ride aboard a lunar lander, Odysseus, and embarked on a 238,900-mile journey to the moon’s Earth-facing hemisphere. As the name suggests, Moon Phases showcases 125 sculptures representing different lunar phases — 62 phases as seen from Earth, 62 from other vantage points in space, and one lunar eclipse. Each sculpture, measuring about one inch in diameter, is encased in a transparent, thermally coated cube and inscribed with the names of groundbreaking figures in human history. From Aristotle to David Bowie, Andy Warhol to Billie Holiday, Koons immortalizes and celebrates his favorite universal icons and the limitless potential of humankind.

Jeff Koons' "Moon Phases" installed on the lunar lander Odysseus.
images courtesy of the artist.

In addition to the lunar sculptures, Moon Phases consists of two complementary components: Earth Moon Phases Sculptures and NFTs. The Earth-bound pieces are larger than their lunar counterparts (15.5 inches tall) and crafted from reflective stainless steel with precious stones marking their location of the installation on the Moon. The NFTs digital works include documentation and images of the corresponding Moon and Earth sculptures, each punctuated by Koons’ iconic signature.

This project joins a long list of Koons’ myriad artistic achievements including his iconic Rabbit and Balloon Dog sculptures. While his kitsch projects are displayed in renowned museums and galleries worldwide, Moon Phases is truly out of this world, destined to endure in perpetuity.

Moon Phase (Leonardo da Vinci), 2023.