hey everyone! yup there’s more pop culture related art to report on – artist daniel edwards is about to unveil his latest project (he was also responsible for the sculpture of britney spears giving birth on a bearskin rug and the paris hilton interactive autopsy with removable organs) this time around he fashioned a gold burial mask & sarcophagus for oprah winfrey which is trying to send some kind of a message about health care reform coming too late for some baby boomers – leaving them unprepared for their final send off – oh my gosh it’s totally creepy to think about your own demise (especially on a weekend!) i doubt we’ll see ms. winfrey talking about the morbid sculpture anytime soon – but if you’d like to own it for yourself – it’s currently up for auction although no one seems to be biting just yet – i get the whole concept behind the piece but owning it is an entirely different matter – no thanks! popbytes over & out for now…xxoo!
A gilded coffin lid bearing Oprah’s full-figured likeness with slimming vertical stripes, The Oprah Sarcophagus is designed for a look of cultural neutrality with respect to Oprah’s audience and the style of her magazine. “The Oprah Sarcophagus is the ideal visual aid for educating boomers about living wills, casket choices, and memorial service arrangements,” says gallery co-director John Leo. “We would like to hear Oprah tell her viewers that a great coffin should be something of which to aspire, and that no one should have to settle for a pine box.”
Edwards’ inspiration for the golden casket developed after reading how Oprah was in mourning over the death of her 2-year-old golden retriever, Gracie. Oprah recounted, “As I stood there dazed, stunned, crying over Gracie’s dead body I learned the lesson to enjoy life but remember to slow down, too.”
“It might slow people down in a self-reflective and spiritual way if they were to consider their own funeral,” said the artist, adding that inspiration for the Sarcophagus was reinforced by a headline he read in a grocery market checkout line, which suggested Oprah had only six years to live.
“The baby boomer generation is in poor health, afflicted with obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and is dependent on multiple prescriptions. Baby Boomers should be encouraged to plan for their inevitable funerals,” says gallery co-director David Kesting. SOURCE
PHOTOS | LEO KESTING GALLERY
About Michael Knudsen
