This bust from Paul Komoda’s “Human Pathology” series definitely looks strange. The sculpture is, in fact, of a woman suffering from Tertiary Syphilis. How lovely.
The piece was originally commissioned by the US education department who then rejected it! As a result of its rejection, you can now get castings of this morbid sculpture for around $160.
Implications - Grisly art such as this one by Paul Komoda provides consumers with the shock factor they seek, especially within today's desensitized society. The often tragic, dark nature of reality calls for a much more edgy, shocking tone from entertainment pieces, creating a demand for unconventional pieces that bear a scare or shock tactic.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Grisly Art
- Art that is meant to shock and provoke, featuring morbid and disturbing subject matter.
- Dark Entertainment
- Entertainment that delves into the tragic and disturbing aspects of life, providing a counterpoint to more mainstream offerings.
- Unconventional Pieces
- Art and sculpture that breaks with tradition, offering new and unusual perspectives on the human experience.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Art
- The art world, which can provide opportunities for artists who wish to create unconventional pieces that challenge and shock viewers.
- Entertainment
- The entertainment industry, which is always on the lookout for fresh and edgy content that can capture the public's attention.
- Medical Education
- The medical education field, which can use innovative teaching tools such as these sculptures to bring the realities of disease and illness into focus for students.
