Street artist Plastic Jesus is at it again, this time with a life-size crucifixion statue in the likeness of Kanye West that went up on the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and La Brea Avenue in L.A. on Wednesday (February 22).
The L.A.-based artist is known for his provocative works which often comment on pop culture, news, and politics. Previous pieces include a life-size Oscar statue snorting cocaine on all fours and a graffiti piece with Lance Armstrong cycling while attached to an IV bag.
For his latest work, Plastic Jesus put up a golden sculpture casting Kanye as Jesus during the crucifixion, complete with crown of thorns and nails through the hands. He also added a couple of chains around the neck, and a pair of what appear to be Yeezy Boosts on his feet, so you don't mistake who the statue is supposed to be.
Plastic Jesus told The Hollywood Reporter in a phone interview that the piece is titled "False Idol," a name which he says comes from the way the media and public treat the Chicago rapper.
"He's a genius at writing and producing but he's not a god, and that's where we put him. Until there's an issue in his life or a hiccup in his career, and then we crucify him," explained the artist. "We've seen it before with people like Britney Spears or Lindsay Lohan. The same people that put him into a god-like place are the same yapping at his heels when something happens."
"The piece is intended to be as critical of us as consumers and the media as it is of Kanye himself," continued Plastic Jesus. "We've created this idol from somebody who is clearly talented."
"I would say the message is this: By all means, treat and respect these people are artists but don't make them into gods -- because we crucify our gods."
Check out the sculpture up top.
Source: hollywoodreporter.com
