Pepsi have recently caught the imagination of television viewers with their TV commercial, Sumo. A young man walks into a shop and orders a hot chicken to go with his Pepsi. When asked which of the two he wants, he puts his bottle down and looks through the glass. At the sight of the Pepsi, the two chickens launch into a sumo fight for the honor of being associated with the drink. Humorous and memorable.
Some movies feature intense violence that really stays with us after the final credits stop rolling. These films use dark intensity, and the most primitive instincts of man, to grab our attention and make us think. Here is our list of top ten violent films –
10. Kill Bill (Vols. 1 & 2)
Quentin Tarantino directed these films with his usual gusto, casting Uma Thurman as the Bride, a vengeful former member of the Deadly Assassination Squad. When The Bride’s ex-lover, Bill, betrays her, turning her wedding day into a scene of epic bloodshed, The Bride vows revenge. These films display Tarantino’s excellent grasp of cinematic pacing, as well as slick, creative martial arts scenes that amp up the visual impact. The first film, and its equally grisly sequel, featured a dizzying pace of violence and aggression, as The Bride continues her quest for the only thing she wants – to kill Bill.
9. Rambo (2008)
John Rambo went back into action in this riveting, blood-soaked action film. Rambo had decided to live a quiet, peaceful life in Thailand, but his conscience led him to assist Christian missionaries as they attempted to aid the Karen people of Burma. The whole Burmese region was a war-torn powder keg of crime, murder, and injustice, and Rambo could no longer look the other way. He took the missionaries upriver to Burma, in his own boat, and they had little idea what bloodshed and horror awaited them there. Rambo tried to protect them, in his own, inimitable fashion. The river journey echoed Heart of Darkness, with its ominous sense of doom, and the battle scenes were harsh and realistic.
8. Saving Private Ryan
Steven Spielberg is a master, able to develop characters and create impact within any context. When he directed Saving Private Ryan, his genius was at its peak. His depictions of the D-Day invasion at Normandy on June 6th, 1944, will go down in history for their gritty realism. As usual, Spielberg tempered the terrible violence that the infantry suffered as they fought for the Allies with a sensitive storyline that made us care about the characters. Excellent casting and superb acting made this very violent film resonate with all of us.
7. Kingdom of Heaven
The bloodshed and brutality of the Crusades is the backdrop in Ridley Scott’s epic adventure film, Kingdom of Heaven. A simple blacksmith, played by Orlando Bloom, finds out his father is a Knight, who is traveling on horseback to Jerusalem. His father invites him to go on the quest, but Bloom’s character, Balian, refuses. Only after Balian kills a village priest does he agree to go along. Eventually, Balian becomes a protector of Jerusalem, fighting against the Saracen king, Saladin, and his strong army. Ridley Scott creates a visually dazzling world full of swordfights and hand-to-hand combat, set within the Holy Land itself.
6. Natural Born Killers
Mickey and Mallory don’t kill for profit, or politics: they do it because it feels good. In Natural Born Killers, the male/female duo, played by Woody Harrelson and Juliette Lewis, begin a gruesome killing spree, down Route 666, as their sociopathic desires drive them onward. As Mickey and Mallory continue to kill, they become a media sensation. This dark, satiric film, directed by Oliver Stone, aims the spotlight at America’s unhealthy fascination with crime, murder, and serial killers.
5. War Of The Worlds
Steven Spielberg attempted to faithfully capture the vision and genius of H.G. Well’s novel (The War Of The Worlds) in this tense, taut film. The terror, indecision, and even selfishness, of humankind were underscored as the aliens began their massive invasion of the planet. Tom Cruise did an excellent job in this film, playing a character who grew and matured into a protector and a hero, from more immature beginnings. The gory violence and dripping blood that seemed to pervade this film was frightening and disturbing. In fact, some critics and moviegoers were shocked at how very dark this film was. 4.) Troy Helen Of Troy is best known in myth and history as “the face that launched a thousand ships”. Her beauty brought forth the passion in Paris, the Prince of Troy. By giving into his love for Helen, who was married to King Menelaus, and taking her to Troy, Paris set an epic battle in motion. The forces of King Menelaus and his powerful, royal brother amassed to seek revenge. In this film, legions of Greeks and Trojans fell to their deaths as the two armies fought for dominance. This long, involved tale also featured Brad Pitt and Eric Bana as hunky soldiers (Achilles and Prince Hector). Girly Orlando Bloom played Paris, The Prince of Troy.
3. Lord of the Rings Trilogy
Return Of The King – Return of the King begins with the search for Mordor. Frodo and Sam use the Gollum to guide them, and the relationship between the two Hobbits suffers accordingly. Sam does not trust the Gollum, and Frodo seems to grow ever closer to the strange creature. In time, Frodo faces the true nature of the Gollum and hurls him into a crevasse. From these tense beginnings, Return of The King becomes an even darker quest, as our heroes attempt to reach Mount Doom. Many battles and many fierce creatures await the Hobbits as they face betrayal, great armies of bloodthirsty Orcs, and the power of the Ring.
2. Gladiator
This film was a triumph, a perfect blending of plot, atmosphere, action and dimensional characters. Director Ridley Scott created an eerie, ethereal atmosphere in the opening battle sequence, with amazing cinematography and stunning realism. Russell Crowe brought a rugged, believable quality to his portrayal of Maximus. As well, a stellar performance by Joaquin Phoenix as Commodus, the bitter, jealous son of the emperor Marcus Aurelius, was a highlight of this violent spectacle.
1. 300
The director of 300, Zak Snyder, also directed the remake of Dawn Of The Dead in 2004. His experience in the horror genre was put to good use during this adaptation of Frank Miller and Lynn Varley’s graphic novel. Bloody combat and the war cry of “Sparta” were the heart of this film, which told the story of the Battle of Thermopylae, in 480 B.C. Gerard Butler displayed his range as he portrayed the King of Sparta, who leads his army against the advancing Persians. This role represented a real change from past roles he played, such as The Phantom Of The Opera. In 300, epic bloodshed is the price that must be paid for a more democratic future.
2010 saw the release of either another season of a sitcom or a whole new sitcom itself. Here are some of the top 10 Television Series of 2010.
1. How I Met Your Mother
The 6th season of How I Met Your Mother was released in the month of September this year. This series does not stop keeping its viewing happy at all. How i met your mother is still going strong with strong number of viewers as they continue to deliver this comedy filled show. This season sees the addition of another constant cast to the already fun group. Jennifer Morrison gets a permanent placement this season. The season 6 is full of surprises and laughs and takes this fun show to the top of the list.
2. The Big Bang Theory
Not far behind How I Met Your Mother is The Big Bang Theory, a show about 4 science geeks and a hot feminine neighbour. This famous comedy sitcom was renewed for its fourth season and it premiered on the 4th of November. The Big Bang Theorys fourth season is considered the best among all its seasons as the comedy reaches another level. The Big Bang Theory is a fun sitcom to watch with an Indian and 3 american science geeks as friends who have a hot neighbour included in their group
3. The Walking Dead
The Walking Dead is another new television series that was released in the year 2010. It is an American post apocalyptic horror television series that was premiered on the AMC network on October. The first season has only 6 episodes and by that itself was voted the best new series in 2010. AMC has renewed the series for another thirteen episodes and will be aired on 2011. The Walking Dead is altogether a great horror series.
4. Nikita
Nikita is an all new American television drama that was released in the month of September. It airs on the CW Television Network. Nikita is about a spy and assassin who has gone rogue after finding out the true colours of the government agency she worked for. Nikita is on a mission to bring down Division, the corrupt government agency. Nikita stars Maggie Q as Nikita, Shane West as Michael and Lyndsy Fonseca as Alex who is Nikitas spy within division. Nikitas episodes become better and better and so does the action and plot.
5. 90210
The famous teen drama was renewed for a third season this year. This year saw the introduction of many recurring characters in this series, which means more stories and more drama. There are many twists and turns in this season with Ryan becoming a dad, Annies mom working for Jen as an assistant, Ted turning gay, Naomis rape, etc.. 90210 has won many teen choice awards this year, making this the best teen show of 2010.
6. The Vampire Diaries
The famous American supernatural horror drama series which was battling the HBO True Blood series, is back again this year with the second season. Vampire movies and series are like one addiction to supernatural genre fans. The Vampire Diaries won numerous Teen Choice and People Choice awards. With great story, characters and supernatural abilities, The Vampi re Diaires is a great watch.
7. Glee
Glee is a super hit musical comedy drama television series in the United States that airs on Fox Channel. It is television series where the center is on the high school glee club that aims on going big. After the first successful season, it was renewed for the second season that was aired on September. Neil Patrick Harris also appeared on glee as a guest star. Glee got noimated for five Golden Globe Awards, won and got nominated in many other awards. Glee also stars for its soundtracks that have been doing really well.
8. Dexter
One of the most impressive series in the year 2010, was Dexter. The episodes are made with such genius minds. The story, acting and plot is simply incredible. Dexter is a crime drama about a forensic bloodstain pattern analyst for the Miami Metro PD during the day and a serial killer by night. Dexter was critically acclaimed and was so popular and brilliant that a game based on Dexter was made and Dexter Merchandise was made. Dexter is a great series for those who appreciates genius movies
9. Gossip Girl
Gossip girl is famous among the teenage females of the world. This American teen television series is based on the book series of the same name. Gossip girl airs on The CW. Currently the fourth season is running and is going great with the females. Gossip Girl was initally received mixed reviews but as the episodes went by, it got positive reviews. Gossip girl was nominated for many Teen Choice awards and won most of them.
10. Supernatural
Supernatural is another American drama and horror television series that airs on The CW. It is one of The CW’s popular series of all time. Due to the impressive ratings in the 4th and 5th seasons, the creator pushed Supernatural to the 6th season. The shows popularity went on increasing and it went on to receive many awards from different organisations. Merchandise were sold based on this series and also a Japanese anime was made based on this series.
Love is crazy. So when two crazy couples fall in love, the tectonic plates loses controls and repositions the earth due to its sheer desire to try and shake people back into consciousness. Unfortunately, crazy people don’t really stop their craziness until they feel they kill each other and the world. Unfortunately again, they don’t really stay dead, they rise up a bigger freak. Here are the craziest people with their craziest partners.
10. Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee
They are the pioneers of sex video. Back when the world didn’t give a damn who Paris Hilton was banging, these two let the world in their sexcapades and unnknowingly launched a whole new industry. Celebrity sex video industry. If there is anyone Paris should thank, it’s these two.
9. Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley
I love the king of pop. I really do and that admiration existed even before he died but even as a fan, I have to admit that I can’t imagine anyone kissing that face. It’s just so out of it man. Lisa Marie is a pretty girl so it’s just… weird.
8. Morgan Freeman and E’Dena Hines(Stepgranddaughter)
There is just something wild about sleeping with a baby your help raised. There is nothing illegal with their relationship and by all accounts she is legal but he, once a upon a time, changed her diaper and now she’s sleeping with her. Apparently, she’s the clingy one and insists on having a baby with him.
7. Britney Spears and Fred Durst
At some point, I do remember reading an article about Fred “not planning this whole thing about Britney. It just happened”. I didn’t really give a fuck then and I don’t give a fuck now but I have to say Fred got lucky. Remember that this was the pre-breakdown Britney. She was hot man. So, after the rock and roll world threw up on Fred, Britney denied ever sleeping with Fred. Fred didn’t take the denial well so he decided to go on Howar Stern’s show to give the world an account of the night when they supposedly did it.
6. Bobby Brown and Whitney Houston
They did drugs together and did a reality show together that showed them [right after]doing drugs together. He was insecure of her success which he tried to cover up by being abusive her verbally, pulling her away from her career, giving her more drugs and pulling their financial status down. On January 11, 2000, airport security guards discovered marijuana in both Houston’s and husband Bobby Brown’s luggage at a Hawaiian airport, but the two boarded the plane and departed before authorities could arrive. Charges were later dropped against her and Brown, but rumors of drug usage between the couple would continue to surface. Two months later, Clive Davis was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Houston had been scheduled to perform at the event, but did not attend.Shortly thereafter, Houston was scheduled to perform at the Academy Awards but was fired from the event by musical director and long time friend Burt Bacharach. Though her publicist cited throat problems as the reason for the cancellation, many speculated it was drugs. She recently admitted her drugs binged and the mutually abusive relationship she got herself into.
5. Angelina Jolie and Billy Bob Thorton
When you carry your partner’s blood with you and display it for the world to see, dude, you’re downright insane.
4. Madonna and Dennis Rhodman
It was a passionate. He was a cross dressing macho man and she was a cross dressing macho girl. They never really talked about their sex life in public so we don’t know much but looking at these two’s track record, everyone knew it was doomed. After they broke up, Madonna went on to throwing names at Dennis Rhodman in different interviews that are too far in between for anyone to remember.
3. Tito Ortiz and Jenna Jameson
In all fairness to Jenna and Tito, they seem to be really on it for a good try. She retired from the porn industry and sold her porn empire to give birth to their twins and be a full time mom and partner. He, on ther hand, has worked hard on building a brand around his name and has had some amount of success. But you have to admit that having a former UFC champion and porn queen as a couple is pretty wild.
2. John Lennon and Yoko Ono
Dare I say they are the first legitimate wild couple of hollywood. They, in more than one occassion, posed naked for the press, battled the American Immigration law, defied public opinion and universal moral laws.
1. Woody Allen and Soon-Yi Previn
If there is anyone who can match Morgan Freeman’s record, it would be Woody Allen. Soon-Yi is his stepdaugther. In an interview when Soon-Yi was still hitting puberty, he joked about making sexual moves on a relative.
Fashion is anything that fits and doesn’t itch. That’s my definition. I strongly advise you don’t apply it. You will have a better luck in looking at the ten films below that made a huge impact in worldwide fashion trends that the styles it used remains to be an “in” thing to this day. You may think these are common now but when it came out during that time, it was revolutionary and shook the fashion industry. It earned people millions upon millions of dollars and inadvertently changed the way people look at beauty.
10. Diane Keaton in Annie Hall
This was the breakthrough movie of Ralph Lauren. He was relatively unknown. He was just one of those budding designers until he dressed Robert Redford and Mia Farrow in The Great Gatsby and then in 1974, he made history by dressing Diane Keaton for Annie Hall. He put her in manly clothes all the while giving her an insurmountable amount of elegance and sex appeal that wasn’t even there when she is in her girlie clothes. In case you were wondering where the boyfriend jacket and waistcoats came from, watch this movie.
9. Madonna in Desperately Seeking Susan
Before this movie, bras where supposed to be hidden and women wen to considerable odds just to make sure no one sees it. Then Madonna came along and said “Fuck it! Here is my bra.” The world suddenly realized, showing some bra actually makes a woman sexy. I still think the “no bra” is sexier but hey.
8. The Misters in Reservoir Dogs
Quentin Tarantino introduced himself to the world in this movie. He also, unknowingly made the fabulous black suits worn by the fast-talking, amoral gangsters a cultural trademark as well. The suit has been worn by too many people in too many occasions but the basic black, skinny tie with white shirt and sunglasses worn by all the Mr. Colors suddenly became gangsta. He successfully transitioned the black suit from being an attire for the elite old boring millionaire to a staple for the ultra cool young people.
7. John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever (1977)
Disco was already in full swing when “Saturday Night Fever” was shown but there was something in the film that catapulted the movie into a mega-hit cultural icon movie, John Travolta in a blow-dried hair, tight, shiny polyester duds, platform shoes and that famous white suit. It became the photo that captured that stinging sensation of late night drug-filled ultra cool partying.
6. Alicia Silverstone in Clueless
The tiny skirts, over-the knee socks and bared midriffs all were brought in the mainstream fashion by Alicia Silverstone’s movie Clueless. It may have been partially copied from Japan who is known for their obsession with mini skirts and knee-high socks. Its influence is still being felt today. Whenever your look at those skirts over stockings ensemble, that was inspired by this movie.
5. Brigitte Bardot in And God Created Woman
The tight skirts and two piece swimwear was introduced by Brigitte in the movie, And God Created Woman. Soon, they became a trend with the masses and BB was taken greeted as trendsetter in the fashion world. Through the years, the two piece has become smaller and smaller but one this is for sure, had it not been for Brigitte, no one else would have dared. Guys, pay your respects.
4. Marlon Brando in The Wild One
It became the perfect picture of rebellion. 1954′s “The Wild One,” in which a soulful Marlon Brando invades a small town with his biker gang was so potentially dangerous that the British board of censors banned the film for 14 years. Yes, they stopped the film but they couldn’t stop Brando’s iconic look of cuffed jeans, leather cap and that tuff black motorcycle jacket to crawl through the streets. Along with it is the adaptation of society’s devil may care attitude.
3. Cinderella in Cinderella
I used to think that no matter how tough a woman is, she would still want to feel like Cinderella even for just a day and the photo of Cinderellas powder blue gown with a sparkling white gloves and glass heels would probably paint everyone a picture why. She’s so elegant, so beautiful, so… Cinderella.
2. Marilyn Monroe in The Seven Year Itch
So the air blew her skirt up and showed her undies while she bends her legs a little, stick her knees together and smile ever so graciously. To this day, the white halter dress is the ultimate sexy dress.
1. Breakfast in Tiffany s
Expectedly, if there is anyone who can top the Marilyn Monroe white dress, it is the the little black dress of Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast In Tiffany’s. It was the picture perfect elegance of the super skinny Audrey with a tiara walking down the the street with coffee in her gloved hand that made every girl feel it is possible to be elegant even when you’re not.
So you think all art is crap, do you? Well, in a sense you’re right because when it comes to creating art from the heart (or someplace nearby), a medium excrement can be an excellent medium. These 11 poop art masterpieces are guaranteed to get everyone – not just art snobs – turning up their noses.
Panda Poop Venus De Milo
(images via: Straits Times, InventorSpot and China Hush) How do you know you’ve got too much money? Well, spending 300,000 yuan ($59,000) on a replica of the Venus de Milo statue made out of Giant Panda dung is a pretty good indication. Not that the sculpture isn’t esthetically pleasing – it was made by children from China’s Sichuan province with a little help from famous sculptor Zhu Cheng – one just worries about its propensity to attract flies along with admiring glances.
(images via: ScienceRay) As Giant Pandas are vegetarian, their excrement is said to have a less offensive aroma compared to carnivore or omnivore scat… and by “less”, be advised your mileage may vary. According to a report on the exhibit by Agence France-Presse, “From time to time, people get closer to the statue and smell this yellow Venus and some claim it smells nice.”
Picasso had his Blue Period; Los Angeles artist Paul McCarthy (above, left) can be said to have had his Brown Period… and we don’t mean Chestnut brown, either. Instead of using actual poop to create his art, McCarthy creates art that looks like poop – and evidently makes a decent living doing just that. Take “Fake Sh*t” (1982), for example. This all-too-lifelike tableau of turds made from enamel-painted cast aluminum is on display at the Laguna Art Museum, and you’re forgiven if you think you’ve accidentally walked into the bathroom. (images via: Strange Messenger, Gizmodo and Heather Champ) McCarthy’s distinctive poop art achieved unusual notoriety on July 31st, 2008. “Complex Sh*t”, a house-sized inflatable dog turd created by McCarthy for East of Eden: A Garden Show at the Paul Klee Centre in Berne, Switzerland, was blown off its moorings by a strong gust of wind. Kinda like Pink Floyd’s famous escaped pig balloon, only with poop. The artwork floated 200 meters (655 ft) through the air, bringing down a power line and breaking a window before crashing to the ground in some guy’s yard. We’re gonna need a MUCH bigger pooper scooper!
Just Leave It, Sprinkle Brigade’s Got It
(images via: Inhabitat) Forget Joy Division, here’s Sprinkle Brigade, a “group of guys that still live in their parents’ basements”… since 2005?? At least they get out once in a while, lured by the sight (and scent) of animal droppings in an urban setting which they upcycle into miniature scenes of life in the wasteland – with the emphasis on waste. Sprinkle Brigade doesn’t sell their crap, er, art… ok, crap art… but they do have a gift shop at the website and have been known to exhibit their dirty work at NYC galleries. SB’s motto: Just Leave It, We Got It.
Here’s a short (but sweet, heh) video of Sprinkle Brigade operatives in action, aided by some overly enthusiastic New York City pigeons who really ought to know better:
(image via: Inhabitat) “The weather outside is frightful,” and walkin’ in a winter wonderland is akin to navigating an organic minefield in some parts of the city. When Mother Nature deigns not to accessorize the leavings of urban pets, Sprinkle Brigade takes over: the holiday-themed excretion creation above aims to ape ol’ Rudolf, red nose and all. No wonder they wouldn’t let him join in any reindeer games.
Foul Fountain
(images via: Number Two Guide and Eamazings) OK, so you’re annoyed by the lack of dog poop pickup in your neighborhood. Do you (a) contact city authorities, (b) do some DIY scooping, or (c) make a stone & bronze sculpture engraved “Sh*t Fountain” and display it in your front yard? If you’re Chicago artist Jerzy S. Kenar, it’s the latter. Surprisingly, his neighbors seem to approve – probably because bronze has no odor.
(image via: Eamazings) The monstrous metallic movement has become somewhat of a tourist attraction for those visiting Augusta, IL or its environs – hey, is that Jennifer Aniston? Busted! The Sh*t Fountain makes a unique place to share a snack or watch the birds bathe during wet weather… and for pete’s sake, pick up after your pet!
“Like sh*t through a goose”… let’s rephrase that old expression as a question: Like sh*t through a goose? Gary Blum does, and buyers of his famous Goose Poop Art over the past 30 years do too. (image via: Gary’s Creations) Blum mixes goose excrement with glue to form embossed-style framed images. He also creates portraits he dubs “Sh*theads” from photos customers (or their enemies) send him. So cut the crap – the longtime resident of Rochester, Minnesota humbly asks you to hold the Mayo and spread a little goose poop around instead. Unlike Hellman’s, it might not taste good but at least it’s got good taste.
(image via: Gary’s Creations) Besides the Mayo Clinic, Rochester is famed for Silver Lake, an ice-free winter stopover for tens of thousands of migrating Canada Geese. Anyone familiar with these plump waterfowl knows they’re virtual flying poop factories that pump out an average 2 pounds worth each and every day – multiply that by 30-odd thousand and you’ve got, well, a sh*tload of goose sh*t. Kudos to Blum for creating something unique and special from this obviously under-appreciated natural resource.
The Jumbo Golden Poop Mosquito Coil Cover – bet you never thought you’d see those words together in one sentence – comes from Japan. Well of course it does! And it would appear to be a gift aged grandparents greatly appreciate, though we can’t imagine why unless it’s made of solid gold (it isn’t). Ideal for displaying on the mantelpiece when you’re not using it to poison bloodsucking insect pests. ( images via: InventorSpot and Strapya World) The Jumbo Golden Poop Mosquito Coil Cover is made from durable, heat-resistant ceramic and sports a polished golden cover fashioned to resemble some ideal, dream dump no actual person could produce without the assistance of a spotter holding a GPS receiver. The cover is pierced with holes to allow the smoldering mosquito coil secreted within to waft its insecticidal incense – and, not coincidentally, to imitate the appearance of a just-pinched loaf. Wow Japan, just… wow.
Hsin-Wei Hsu: (F)Artist
(images via: HSIN-WEI HSU) Poop is a multidimensional phenomenon whose associated attributes often cannot be seen… know what we mean? Hsin-Wei Hsu is a Taiwanese-born, NYC-based photographic artist who focuses (pun intended) on such phenomena… he snaps pics of farts. Hsu adds his trademark “gassy skull” to the photos he takes of people (and the occasional cat) who may or may not actually be breaking wind. (image via: HSIN-WEI HSU)
Exactly WHY Hsin-Wei Hsu does this is beyond our imagination but it’s safe to say that Hsu has effectively cleared the room of all other flatulence photographers… flatographers? Visitors to any of Hsu’s global gallery exhibits can at least feel free to let fly and should feel no compunction to exercise the One Cheek Sneak if caught in fragrante delicto.
The Phantom Poop Painter Of New York City
images via: NBC New York) Something’s rotten in The Big Apple, and it ain’t apples… OK, road apples. Remember Jerzy S. Kenar, creator of the Sh*t Fountain? Kenar didn’t like Chicago dog-walkers neglecting to poop & scoop so he erected a fecal fountain in their dishonor. They do things a little different in NYC: an unknown Double Rainbow Guy Of Poop is spray-painting abandoned droppings in bright, neon colors… it’s so intense!
(image via: NBC New York) What does it mean?? Let’s call it a bizarre form of Folk Art that combines overt vigilante action with covert graffiti tagging. The poop paintings are also dynamic and evolutionary since wind, rain and time eventually wear away the organic material leaving a series of colorful rings to mark the original misdeed. Groovy, man. Here’s a short video taken by local tour guide operator Stan O’Connor, who comments “I have very mixed feelings about a guy who does graffiti based on poop.”
Crap In A Can
(images via: Piero Manzoni and Copy Shop Show) Italian artist Piero Manzoni craps in a can. Not in THE can, A can… 90 cans to be exact, and he did this in 1961 with the intention that each signed and numbered can of crap be sold for its weight in gold. As get-rich-schemes go, Manzoni’s was a trifle ambitious but the artist ended up getting the last laugh: a tin auctioned by Sotheby’s on May 23rd, 2007 sold for €124,000 and in October of 2008, the respected auction house offered tin #83 with an estimated selling price of £50-70,000. Dammit Mom, why’d ya hafta throw away my poop can collection??
(image via: Copy Shop Show) Manzoni’s infamous cans were labeled in Italian, English, French and German with the English text reading “Artist’s Shit, contents 30gr net freshly preserved, produced and tinned in May 1961”. Though persistent rumors hinted that the cans were filled not with excrement but instead, plaster, the veracity of Manzoni’s labeling was proven when a can on loan to the Randers Museum of Art recently began to leak. According to a bacteriological expert called in by the museum’s curators, “the feces wanted out”... we’re guessing any visitors to the museum that day concurred mightily.
Upcycle Or Upchuck?
(image via: Havana Times) Don’t tell Fidel, but something in Cuba smells funny. The source appears to be artist Grethell Rasua, whose chosen medium is excrement donated by those who commission her artworks. One might say you have to leave a sh*t before you take a sh*t. (images via: Havana Times) If artistically upcycling your poop isn’t your thing, not to worry: Rasua accepts other bodily waste products as raw materials to create VERY personal jewelry. If the thought of wearing earrings made with vaginal discharge or panties embroidered with menstrual blood makes you want to heave, that’s cool, Rasua will also work with donated vomit – sealed in resin for optimum preservation.
(image via: Havana Times) Rasua’s excrement art has its practical side, such as a 2005 “beautification” project in which she painted the exterior of a Havana family’s house using a mix of 30% clear varnish and 70% excrement – donated by the home’s residents. It’s unknown whether the house’s unusual paint job survived Cuba’s many tropical rainstorms or succumbed to a sudden, severe attack of the runs.
Perhaps the most notorious example of art made from bodily waste is Piss Christ, a photographic composition composed in 1987 by photographer Andres Serrano. The image appears to depict a wooden crucifix and white plastic Jesus figurine submerged in urine – stated by Serrano to be his own. The inflammatory artwork ignited a firestorm of controversy in the United States, not so much for its imagery but from the $15,000 grant provided to Serrano by the taxpayer-funded National Endowment for the Arts. Piss Christ has also sparked the production of a number of artworks that reference it, such as (above, L to R) the Piss Discus, Piss Serrano and Piss Satan. Rated “P” for immature audiences. (image via: Village Voice) Although Piss Christ may be Serrano’s number one artwork, literally, he’s also diversified into number two and by the looks of things, criticism hasn’t affected his urge to push the offensiveness envelope. Says Serrano, “My ego as an artist says I can make anything look good, even sh*t.” Think he’s full of it? Consider, if you will, 66 dung piles dumped by 66 animals – a veritable Pokemon of poop! Serrano’s fetid photos, blown up to 8 feet high, were displayed at NYC’s Yvon Lambert Gallery in the autumn of 2008. Titles included (above, clockwise from upper left) Romantic Sh*t, Jaguar Sh*t, Deep Sh*t, and Bull Sh*t. Now that’s some scary sh*t right there… which reminds us, the series also includes Scary Sh*t. Wasn’t she one of the Spice Girls?
(image via: Rainbow Zombies Ate My Unicorn) Art with a message or the art of making a mess? There’s a fine line between the two, and most of the examples above lurk in that fuzzy region where individual perception is the uncommon denominator. How about the technicolor throne above? Like it, hate it or dismiss it with a grab of the flush handle, at least now we know that at the end of the gold there’s a pot of rainbows.
