Jeff Koons's Paris memorial sculpture faces criticism from French art community over costs and motives

A group of 24 French artists, curators, and art professionals published an open letter in Libération last week, criticizing Jeff Koons's proposed public sculpture Bouquet of Tulips as self-promotional rather than a genuine memorial to the 2016 Paris terrorist attack victims. The 8.5-meter sculpture, depicting a hand holding balloon-like flowers, is intended for installation outside the Palais de Tokyo. Signatories raised concerns about the project's costs, noting a €3.5 million shortfall in production funding, with Koons donating only the concept and copyright. In response, Noirmont Art Production defended Koons, stating he was invited by former US ambassador to France Jane Hartley and selected the Palais de Tokyo site for its cultural significance to youth. The company emphasized that funding comes entirely from French-American donors via a campaign, with copyright proceeds directed to victims' families. The statement concluded that the work, conceived as a gesture of friendship, should not become a symbol of discord.