Blasphemy? Life-size Gold Statue of Kanye West Depicted as Jesus Unveiled in Hollywood (Photos)

 

Multi-award winning American rapper and record producer, Kanye Omari West, has been immortalized in a giant gold Jesus sculpture by a street artist known coincidentally as Plastic Jesus - the L.A.-based provocateur whose work often comments on news events, pop culture and politics.

 

According to Hollywood Reporter, the giant gold stature was unveiled on the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and La Brea Avenue on Feb. 22. It casts Kanye West as Jesus during the crucifixion, with nails in his hands and a wreath around his head, but is updated with bling around the neck.

 

The sculpture is part of a series of free-standing pieces that Plastic Jesus has dropped in and around the Oscars. In 2015, he created a life-size Oscar statue snorting cocaine on all fours. 

 

 

Speaking in a phone interview, Plastic Jesus says the piece is titled "False Idol," and was inspired by the way in which the media and the general public treat West.

"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, then we crucify him," explains the photojournalist turned artist, who cites West's controversial statements, recent breakdown and hospitalization as reasons for his public fall from grace. 

 

 

Plastic Jesus admits that he's "an admirer" of Kanye both musically and creatively. "The piece is intended to be as critical of us as consumers and the media as it is of Kanye himself. We've created this idol from somebody who is clearly talented," he says.