# Vulgar Inflatable Sculptures Paul McCarthy's 'Tree' Sculpture is Shaped Like An Intimacy Toy By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2014-10-21 | Naughty Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/inflatable-sculptures References: [time](https://time.com/3525271/parisian-sex-toy-christmas-tree-butt-plug/) Of all the [inflatable sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grinch-decor) out there, this one has to be one of the most suggestive. The 'Tree' sculpture, the brainchild of American artist Paul McCarthy, is said to be an interpretation of a [Christmas tree](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fluorescence) -- but upon closer inspection, its shape is curiously reminiscent of a butt plug. The [giant sculpture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iwagumi-air-scape) was erected on Paris' Place Vendome ahead of the International Contemporary Art Fair, and within a few days was damaged by vandals who weren't impressed with the giant intimacy toy-shaped sculpture. Paul McCarthy's 'Tree' sculpture is seen as intentionally protesting against the standard language of public sculptures. The sculpture is designed to be associable with a religious holiday -- Christmas -- as well as the most private of bedroom activities, making the controversy it has stirred up highly expected. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.5/10 - Popularity: 6% | Activity: 2% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Naughty](https://www.trendhunter.com/naughty) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Provocative Public Sculptures:** Opportunity for artists and sculptors to create intentionally provocative public art, challenging traditional sculptures and sparking conversation. - **Controversial Installation Art:** Opportunity for installation artists to create boundary-pushing works that are both visually and conceptually challenging. - **Suggestive Design:** Opportunity for designers to incorporate suggestive, playful elements into their work, challenging expectations and sparking conversation. ### Where This Applies - **Art and Design:** Artists and designers can create work that challenges and pushes boundaries, sparking debate and conversation. - **Public Sculpture:** Public art can defy expectations and traditional forms, creating a more open and inclusive art experience for everyone. - **Installation Art:** Installation art offers a unique opportunity to create immersive, boundary-pushing works that challenge traditional art forms and engage with the viewer. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Illuminated Christmas Tree Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/all-lit-up.md) - [Resin Gravity Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-great-tree.md) - [Outdoor Floral Sculpture Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sculptures-at-kew-gardens.md) - [Digital Archetype Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/christian-rex-van-minnen-1.md) - [Inflatable Vibrant Art Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/forest-dancer.md) - [Colorfully Inflatable Art Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blowup-art-the-hague.md) - [Artful Garden Inflatable Spheres](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/this-is-air.md) - [Sculptural Writing Piece](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sterling-silver-penis-pen.md) - [Modern Design-Exploring Art Objects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pratone-chair.md)