Truly an out of this world mission, SpaceX sent 125 one-inch sculptures from Jeff Koons studio to the moon. Jeff Koons Moon Phases Project consists of 125 sculptures, corresponding NFTs, and larger sculptures encased in glass that will remain on Earth and sold to collectors.
Jeff Koons Vision:
“I grew up listening to President Kennedy speak about going to the moon,” says Koons to the New York Times, “It gave our society a vision and drive that we could believe in ourselves and accomplish things.”
“The Moon Phases Project” was first conceived in 2020 by Koons and scientist Chantelle Baier and announced in 2022 by Space X. Originally, the works were set to land on the moon that year with NFTs released by Pace Gallery’s NFT platform, Pace Verso.
Each of the 125 one-inch sculptures represents a phase of the moon and corresponds to individuals from different fields and time periods who impacted human history. Mozart, Cleopatra, da Vinci, and Galileo are among those honored by the project.
Due to rocket malfunctions, the project was delayed until February 2024. If all goes according to plan, the sculptures will land on the moon February 23, 2024.
The sculptures are safe onboard a Nova-C Odysseus lunar lander propelled by a Falcon 9 rocket. The lander was designed by Intuitive Machines and departed Cape Canaveral, Florida on Valentines Day. If successful, it will land in the Malaper A. crater, 185 miles from the Moon’s south pole.
Once resting safely on the Moon’s surface, the artwork will become a heritage site under the Artemis Accords, an agreement that ensures the protection of historically important artifacts in space.
However, this isn’t the first art installation on the lunar surface. “The Moon Phase Project” is referred to as the first authorized lunar art installation due to Paul van Hoeydonck’s Fallen Astronaut.
Hoeydonck snuck a 3 1/2 inch aluminum sculpture onboard Apollo 15, allowing Commander David Scott to place it onto the surface of the moon. The Guerrilla installation was met with accusation of profiting from space exploration and ethical critiques of NASA.
Yet, Fallen Astronaut has not taken the wind out of Jeff Koon’s sails. We’ll find out this week if Space X and Jeff Koons were successful in “The Moon Phases Project.”
Jeff Koons’ “Moon Phases” transcends artistic boundaries, celebrating human achievements and questioning the boundaries of human conquest. This historic project, coupled with a groundbreaking lunar landing attempt, marks a significant strides in both art and space exploration.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
How many sculptures are part of Jeff Koons “Moon Phases” project?
The project comprises 125 miniature moon sculptures and several larger sculptures remaining on Earth.
When is the lunar landing attempt for “Moon Phases” scheduled?
The lunar landing attempt for “Moon Phases” is expected to take place on February 23nd.
Who are some of the historical figures honored in the “Moon Phases” project?
Historical luminaries like Plato, Nefertiti, and Mozart, along with modern icons are honored in the project.
What makes “Moon Phases” the first “authorized” art installation on the moon?
Unlike Fallen Astronaut, Koons project is has been given permission to land on the moon.
How does the Nova-C Lunar Lander play a role in the project?
The Nova-C Lunar Lander is responsible for transporting the transparent cube housing Koons’ lunar sculptures for the lunar landing attempt.
