Stephen Colbert Interviews Jeff Koons On The Colbert Report On July 31, 2012 (PHOTOS)

Last night, Jeff Koons made an appearance on The Colbert Report. The master of kitsch is known for his giant balloon animals, and Stephen Colbert aimed right at the heart during the introduction, calling him "The world's most expensive birthday clown."

During the show, we see images of his basketball in a tank, the blue balloon dog, and other glossy works projected in between the host and his esteemed guest. Colbert says about Koons' pieces: "A lot of them are shiny, so when I look at them, I can see me, and then I'm interested in it." Koons replies that they're shiny for affirmation, to create an experience. Colbert doesn't buy it. At one point, Colbert asked the artist why he likes art, and Koons says in his soft spoken monotone: "I like the way it makes me feel." Colbert jumps in, saying, "It makes you feel rich, man."