Omar Khalid
The street artist known as Plastic Jesus is based in Los Angeles and is known for his art that reflects culture and current events. Plastic Jesus has installed various sculptures in Hollywood, including a life-size statue of actor Kevin Hart and a statue of Kanye West posed as Jesus Christ. Plastic Jesus also has an online store selling streetwear, art, and clothing, with customers praising the quality and messaging of the products.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Plastic Jesus |
| Known As | Street artist |
| Based In | Los Angeles |
| Art Style | Similar to Banksy, Shepard Fairey |
| Art Themes | Social issues, current events, Hollywood celebrity, hot-button subjects |
| Art Forms | Stickers, t-shirts, streetwear, sculptures |
| Notable Works | Hollow Apology (Kevin Hart statue), Trump December 2020, Disobey Sticker Bundle |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic Jesus is a street artist based in Los Angeles
Plastic Jesus is the pseudonym of an anonymous street artist of British descent based in Los Angeles. Before becoming a street artist, he worked as a news photographer and photojournalist for over two decades. His street art career began in Los Angeles, where he installed authentic-looking metal street signs near homeless encampments that read "Failed City Policy Ahead" in bold red lettering. The signs, which were plastered on existing lampposts in areas with high visibility homeless populations, ignited a debate about the city's handling of its persistent homelessness crisis.
Plastic Jesus is known for his bold and provocative street installations that address major sociopolitical and cultural issues. For example, he has targeted the Best Buy chain by covertly placing black boxes with fake price tags and labels that critiqued consumerism and technology. In the wake of the 2016 US Presidential election, he crafted a series of signs that drew connections between Trump's travel ban and the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. Plastic Jesus has also engaged with the Hollywood Walk of Fame, circling a 6-inch wall around Donald Trump's star to make a statement.
The artist's work is often inspired by world news events, society, urban environments, culture, and politics. He aims to question societal norms and confront cultural and current affairs. Plastic Jesus tries to work ethically, minimising harm to the environment and removing his street art installations after a limited time to avoid causing any damage to the urban environment.
Plastic Jesus's work has gained significant media attention, featuring in publications such as the BBC, CNN, ABC News, Huffington Post, Buzzfeed, LA Times, and Time, among others. His provocative and addictive aesthetic has led to him being labelled the "Banksy of L.A." by the Daily Beast.
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Plastic Jesus's work often revolves around Hollywood celebrity
The anonymous street artist Plastic Jesus is known for their provocative and subversive installations that address sociopolitical and cultural issues. Their work often revolves around Hollywood celebrities, targeting what they perceive as society's obsession with celebrities and false idols.
In 2015, Plastic Jesus added their own street signs to Los Angeles that read "No Kardashian Parking Anytime," commenting on the public's fascination with the famous family. The artist has also targeted specific celebrities with their work, such as Kevin Hart, whom they called out for his homophobic statements ahead of the 2019 Oscars with a life-size golden statue of the actor.
Plastic Jesus has also criticised the entertainment industry's drug abuse problem by installing a life-sized golden Oscar snorting cocaine. In 2016, they created their first female Oscar, a golden stripper referencing the objectification of women in Hollywood. The following year, they reimagined rapper Kanye West as a golden, crucified Jesus.
In 2018, Plastic Jesus took aim at Harvey Weinstein, creating a life-size statue of the disgraced movie mogul wearing a bathrobe and seated on a "casting couch." This installation was a commentary on sexual misconduct and power dynamics in the industry.
Through these works, Plastic Jesus uses Hollywood celebrity culture as a vehicle to address societal issues, spark conversations, and challenge the public's perception of fame and its potential pitfalls.
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Plastic Jesus has a clothing line with art and streetwear
Plastic Jesus is a Los Angeles-based street artist whose work includes clothing, art, and streetwear. His work is similar to that of Banksy and Shepard Fairey, and it reflects the culture. The clothing line includes t-shirts with powerful messages and striking designs, embodying the spirit of resistance and individuality. The quality of the shirts is impressive, with customers praising the choice of material and the comfort they provide. The fit is described as great, and the wording on the shirts is inspiring and encouraging.
The artist's website features testimonials from customers who are thrilled with their purchases. One customer mentions the soft fabric and the warning and word of encouragement on the front of the shirt. Another customer mentions the style and fit of the clothing, as well as the artist's talent. The streetwear is described as awesome and something that the customer would proudly wear.
The artwork of Plastic Jesus is known for delivering timely commentary on current events and social issues. The Disobey Sticker Bundle, for example, includes designs that are visually striking and carry powerful messages. The artist's work seeks to encourage engagement, conversation, debate, and change to create a better world for all.
The Plastic Jesus clothing line, therefore, offers more than just fashion. It provides a platform for self-expression, individualism, and a means to make a statement. The combination of art and streetwear empowers individuals to stand out and initiate meaningful conversations.
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Plastic Jesus installed a statue of Kevin Hart in LA
The street artist known as Plastic Jesus has installed a life-size golden statue of actor Kevin Hart in LA. The statue, titled "Hollow Apology", was placed on a podium at the intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and La Brea Avenue, just a few blocks from the Dolby Theatre, where the Academy Awards were held. The statue stands at 5 feet 4 inches tall, the same height as Hart himself, and depicts him waving a rainbow flag.
Plastic Jesus is known for his provocative art installations, often targeting Hollywood celebrities and choosing controversial subjects that are certain to make headlines. In the past, he has targeted Harvey Weinstein, Kanye West, and Donald Trump. The artist told artnet News that he believes it has become acceptable again to hate someone because of their sexual orientation and that he wanted to celebrate diversity in Hollywood and the entertainment industry.
The statue of Kevin Hart was a collaboration with Las Vegas-based artist Joshua "Ginger" Monroe, who created the head and hands for the sculpture. It was installed just in time for the Academy Awards, which Hart was initially slated to host. However, Hart stepped down from hosting duties after a series of insensitive, homophobic tweets resurfaced and incited backlash.
Plastic Jesus was critical of Hart's initial refusal to issue an apology, calling his eventual apology half-hearted and "pretty lame". The artist's statue is meant to highlight the controversy surrounding Hart's comments and the importance of celebrating diversity.
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Plastic Jesus installed a statue of Kanye West posed as Jesus Christ
Plastic Jesus, a London-born street artist based in Los Angeles, installed a statue of Kanye West posed as Jesus Christ in 2017. The statue, titled "False Idol", was placed on Hollywood Boulevard just days before the Academy Awards. It depicted West standing on tiptoes on a pedestal, wearing a gold Jesus piece and black Yeezys, and resembling an Oscar statue.
Plastic Jesus shared on social media that the statue was meant to critique the media and consumers for "building people into gods". He specifically referenced Kanye West's hospitalization in late 2016 and his own struggles with mental health, arguing that society tends to crucify those who fail to meet expectations. The artist also intended to make an ironic statement about the nature of religious devotion, questioning the need for cheap, mass-produced religious figures.
The creation of the sculpture took approximately three months, with the head molded by artist Ginger from Las Vegas. Plastic Jesus put the piece up for sale for $50,000. The statue is part of a series of Oscar statues that the artist creates annually to critique Hollywood and its practices.
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Frequently asked questions
You can buy a plastic Jesus statue on websites such as Etsy and eBay.
Many sellers on Etsy offer free shipping on orders over $35 USD. Similarly, eBay also offers free shipping on eligible orders shipped by Amazon.
Examples of plastic Jesus statues include the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Vintage Sacred Heart of Jesus Mini Statue.
One review on Etsy says, "This statue is absolutely perfect, a masterpiece of art! I wanted a statue that I could gaze upon while meditating on the Passion of Our Lord, Jesus Christ. This statue is very impressive with so many wounds depicted."
