B. 1955 - he name Jeff Koons is synonymous with all that is sublime and ridiculous in art. Were you to hear Koons talk about the role of art in society, you might get the impression that he is the immaculate conception of the Virgin Mary and self-help guru Dale Carnegie. And maybe he is. Considered a genius by some, a harmless charlatan by others, and no doubt a con artist by a few, Jeff Koons' work never fails to elicit a reaction.