Recently, the unmanned spacecraft Odysseus successfully landed on the Moon. The United States has marked its return to lunar exploration since the Apollo crew’s mission in 1972.
The Odysseus spacecraft carries equipment prepared for the Artemis mission, which aims to return humans to the Moon and pave the way for NASA’s Commercial Lunar Transport Services.
The artwork “Moon Phase” displays 62 images of the Moon as seen from Earth and a lunar eclipse. (Photo: Jeff Koons/Instagram).
According to CNN, the spacecraft also carries a special box from Jeff Koons – one of the most expensive artists in the world today.
Right after the Odysseus landed, Koons shared on Instagram that the landing was an “incredible achievement” and he felt honored to be part of the mission. In a previous post, the American artist described the launch of the spacecraft as a spectacular event.
So, what is Koons showcasing on the lonely Moon? Inside the aforementioned transparent box are 125 mini sculptures of the Moon, each with a diameter of about 2.5 cm. The artwork is titled Moon Phase, displaying 62 images of the Moon from Earth and a lunar eclipse.
The phases of the Moon change depending on the angle of sunlight hitting the Moon and the observer’s position on Earth. The Moon phases are commonly known by names like New Moon (New), Waxing Crescent (Young Moon), First Quarter (Half Moon), Waning Crescent, Full Moon (Full, Full Moon)…
This image shows the artwork ‘Moon Phase’ on the Odysseus spacecraft approaching the Moon. Photo: Intuitive Machines
Each sculpture is named after a figure who has made groundbreaking contributions to human history, including philosopher Aristotle, musician and singer David Bowie, painter Leonardo da Vinci, singer Billie Holiday, writer Gabriel García Márquez, artist Andy Warhol, novelist Virginia Woolf…
Koons drew inspiration from the Moon as a symbol of curiosity and determination. Information from the 69-year-old artist’s gallery states: “Jeff Koons’ new project offers viewers a perspective on their position in the vast universe, encouraging deep reflections and contemplation.”
Jeff Koons with his artwork “Moon Phase.” (Photo: Jeff Koons/Instagram).
In addition to the piece sent to the Moon, Koons will create larger versions (39.9 cm in diameter) for display on Earth. These will be made of shiny stainless steel, a material the artist has used for his million-dollar creations. Each “Moon” will also be adorned with a diamond and a ruby.
Larger sculpture displayed on Earth. (Photo: Pace Gallery).
Moon Phase is the first officially authorized artwork to be created and displayed on the Moon.
Previously, in 1971, the Apollo 15 crew left behind an aluminum statue by Belgian artist Paul Van Hoeydonck as well as a plaque commemorating 14 astronauts who lost their lives in service.
Additionally, there are rumors that six famous artists – Andy Warhol, Robert Rauschenberg, John Chamberlain, Claes Oldenburg, Forrest Myers, and David Novros – secretly sent a collaborative artwork on Apollo 12. Their collaborative piece, titled The Moon Museum, is a small ceramic tile featuring sketches from all six artists.
The artwork “We Grow Up Under the Moonlight” depicts a couple surrounded by 88 hearts.
The journey of the Odysseus has closed the space race between Koons and Dubai-based artist Sacha Jafri. Last month, Jafri hoped to have the first authorized artwork on the Moon. His laser-etched gold alloy piece titled We Grow Up Under the Moonlight was launched aboard the Peregrine spacecraft on January 8. However, shortly after liftoff, Peregrine experienced fuel issues and malfunctioned. Nine days later, the spacecraft fell to Earth and burned up in the atmosphere.
| Jeff Koons is renowned for his metal sculptures inspired by balloon animals, such as dogs and rabbits, as well as everyday objects. These shiny forms have helped Koons become a millionaire with a net worth of $400 million. His record-breaking artwork is the Balloon Dog, which sold for $91.1 million in 2019. |
