In Barrett’s Why is That Art?, we get a few different depictions of what “Realism” actually means. Barrett begins his explanations of Realism by discussing the concepts of two philosophers Aristotle and Plato. For them, Realism is “the real in its perfect, ideal form that is the object of beauty, a form of visual perfection”(pg. 22). This is the Greeks’ ideal form of Realism that was once seen as the true form of art in that time period. Many artists have since altered the original ideals of Realism to reflect a new idea of what is “real”. In this instance, Barrett describes Realism as “a picture is Realistic if a typical viewer tends to be deceived by it, thinking the picture is what it is a picture of” (pg. 34). This description seems to follow a more modern take on Realism, which stems from emotion and feeling rather than a photo-realistic artwork. 

Artist Jeff Koons is a modern Realism artist who has been known to create works that spark up massive debates on what is art. A majority of Koons work is often described as pornography, kitsch or mimesis, and is often argued that his work is not ‘art’ but instead a way to bring in money and fame. Koons has often been branded as controversial in the art world. In Koons Made in Heaven series, he created paintings, and sculptures that depicted him and his wife having intercourse. This, like most of his work is heavily debated and scrutinized by critics and fellow artists, yet revered by the public for being raunchy and real. Koons work is known mostly because of the controversy that surrounds it, it attracts viewers and is the main reason why his work is able to be sold for a ridiculous profit. People love a scandal, people love drama, and people love to discuss controversies and argue over irrelevant topics that spark interest and Jeff Koons works that system like a New York stock broker. 

The only reason Jeff Koons is as popular as he is, is because he was born in the right place at the right time. His work is far too controversial to have ever been accepted in Ancient Greece where the main art critics were Plato and Aristotle who saw Realism as a form of beauty. One could argue that the sculptures do depict beautiful forms of the human body. Barrett wrote that “Made in Heaven might provide Plato with an interesting test case as a work of art, it would be difficult for Plato to deny the beauty of the bodies of the subjects” (pg. 39). but when you see what those forms are performing you would surly second guess if Plato would approve; you would know that Aristotle would be absolutely appalled. 

(2.W.1 Module 2)

Work Cited 

Barrett, Terry. Why Is That Art?: Aesthetics and Criticism of  Contemporary Art. 3rd ed., Oxford University Press, 2017.

After reading chapter two of “Why is That Art”, Barrett brings up interesting ideas on the realism aspect that Jeff Koons art resides. After reviewing Koons works from Puppy to Made in Heaven, you can argue that his works, although over the top, all have a form of realism. Barrett explains that in Puppy, the overall feel of a puppy is there. It is created using flowers; which the rough texture gives off the impression of fur, while the entire sculpture leaves you with the same feelings of joy a puppy would. In Made in Heaven, although the poses and depictions are graphic, it is a realism-esqu form of the human body, which in Plato’s own definition would most likely fall under the category of realism, no matter what the pose and connotations of the work is present.

2.M.3 Jeff Koons