A life-size, gold sculpture that depicts Kanye West being crucified has appeared in Los Angeles. It’s called “False Idol,” and it was made by L.A. street artist Plastic Jesus. The sculpture does not place West on a cross, but his arms are outstretched, he is wearing a crown of thorns, and he has nails in his hands; there also appear to be Yeezy Boost 350 sneakers on his feet. Check out photos of “False Idol” below. Pitchfork has reached out to West’s representatives for comment.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Plastic Jesus said, “[West is] 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, then we crucify him.” He elaborated about the sculpture’s message: “By all means, treat and respect these people are artists, but don’t make them into gods—because we crucify our gods.” Plastic Jesus also said that it was a collaboration with Ginger—the artist responsible for the nude Trump sculptures that popped up in major cities this past summer.
The statue is on the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and La Brea Avenue. On February 24, it will appear at Plastic Jesus’ exhibition with Billy Morrison called Anesthesia: The Art of Oblivion. The showcase (at Gibson Brands Sunset in West Hollywood) opens to the public on February 25.
