a bronze santa holding a christmas tree shaped butt plug painted in red

Paul McCarthy

Name: Santa with Butt Plug Bronze 11.4 inches
Price: 25000.0 EUR
Availability: InStock

Santa with Butt Plug Bronze 11.4 inches

Edition of 25

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With an assembly of red bronzes, Paul McCarthy imparts a lewd lesson on the duality of an object.

From early performances to pop-up Parisian confectioners and 80-foot inflatables, sex toys and Santa Claus have a storied past in the work of seminal American artist Paul McCarthy. Short of a signature, the two belong to a perverse lexicon of icons and archetypes which McCarthy has revisited, re-invented and combined at will over the course of his five decade career. In this case, questioning the commodification of Christmas and the associations of a derided object which – in another context – might be considered a masterstroke of minimalism.

Santa with Butt Plug Bronze 11.4 inches revisits a 2001 public sculpture commissioned by the city of Rotterdam. A foam replica, created during the casting process and subsequently left to rot for five years outside McCarthy’s studio, provides the form for a new and smaller incarnation. Cracks, fissures and imperfections are preserved as testament to the artwork’s ongoing history. A sanguine finish completes the edition – heightening the fidelity of its surface and fulfilling McCarthy’s vision for his original, large-scale Santa.

For the full picture, read an accompanying journal – Butt plugs, Santa Claus & Paul McCarthy.

artist wearing a bulbous fake nose and gloves with large, sausage-like fingers – covered in paint

Paul McCarthy

1 collaboration

Paul McCarthy concocts a twisted American Dream like no other. He weaves sculpture, film and installation into exquisitely constructed scenarios. Throughout, there are nods to all corners of society – from Disney and Donald Trump, to pornography and war. In the 1970s McCarthy became known for his performances and videos. These early works launched McCarthy into the limelight where, through a process of non-stop reinvention, he’s remained ever since. Bossy Burger (1991) saw the artist smearing ketchup and mayonnaise all over himself. Painter (1995) is a 50-minute-long spoof of the art world’s underbelly.

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Reviews from Avant collectors

the item was some of the most professional packing i have seen outside of a museum. exceptionally well packed
Review of Guardian
Had a great experience. The Avant Art team was extremely helpful throughout the entire transaction.
Review of Untitled (Hand-finished)
were happy to have the print and are grateful for the professional correspondence. we look fwd to purchasing prints in the future.
Review of Prismatic Head Composition
Beautifully printed piece. Nice touch on the bag and gloves. Thank you for your efficiency and timely updates.
Review of Actual Size
print looks fabulous! super happy with it!
Review of Out of the Dark
Very smooth transaction. The piece is beautiful. Can;t wait to get it framed.
Review of Guardian
Wonderful experience. Art looks amazing. Unbelievable framing. Thank you!!
Review of Untitled [Man in Car with Shed]
perfect customer service! thank you
Review of Untitled

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