<!-- canonical: https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/provocative-art -->
<!-- robots: noindex -->

# Divine Fast Food Artwork
This Provocative Art Exhibit Turns McDonald's into a Pseudo-Religion

By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2015-07-27 | Lifestyle
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/provocative-art
References: [psfk](http://www.psfk.com/2015/07/mcdonalds-satire-mcjezus-casper-braat.html) & [mcjezus](http://mcjezus.com)

'McJezus' is a provocative art exhibit that compares the popular restaurant chain [McDonald's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonaldsfries1) to a form of religion. The project is showcased at the [Gerrit Rietveld Academie](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mini-stroop-wafels) in Amsterdam and the idea behind the exhibit is to turn the mega-franchise into a pseudo-religion.

The provocative art exhibit is housed in a small area of the gallery, which has been adorned with McDonald's iconography. The exhibit portrays Ronald McDonald as a holy figure, complete with cross-themed fry-holders and ketchup packages. There are even holy spoons available for purchase.

The idea behind the project is to take a critical look at the fast food industry by satirizing its global scope and its measure of influence. By reimagining McDonald's as a form of religion, the artist makes a powerful statement about the power of mass-production and mass-culture.

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 1.7/10
- Popularity: 30% | Activity: 14% | Freshness: 8%
- Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women
- Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X
- Top markets: Europe

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food)

## Key Themes

### Key Themes Behind This Trend

- **Satirical Art:** The 'McJezus' art exhibit highlights the trend of using satirical art to critique and provoke discussions about popular culture and consumerism.
- **Critique of Consumerism:** The exhibit's comparison of McDonald's to a religion highlights the trend of artists using their work to raise awareness and critique the influence of consumerism on society.
- **Reimagining Brands:** The project's reimagining of McDonald's as a pseudo-religion showcases the trend of artists challenging and subverting traditional brand identities.

### Where This Applies

- **Art and Entertainment:** The 'McJezus' exhibit presents an opportunity for artists and art galleries to explore unconventional themes and challenge societal norms through art installations.
- **Food and Beverage:** The project's critique of the fast food industry prompts restaurateurs and food brands to reflect on their impact on culture and explore more sustainable and ethical practices.
- **Marketing and Advertising:** The 'McJezus' exhibit sparks discussions about the effectiveness and ethics of marketing strategies, urging marketers to consider more socially responsible approaches.

## Related on Trend Hunter

- [Plastic-Made QSR Artwork](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-canada-art-series.md)
- [Fast Food-Themed Roads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonaldsfries1.md)
- [QSR-Themed Premium Jewelry](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/litter-and-glamour-collection.md)
- [QSR Food-Inspired Door Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-france-1.md)
- [Unusual Fast Food Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/believe-campaign.md)
- [Mythical Fast-Food Collabs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/black-myth-wukong-menu.md)
- [Anime-Inspired Restaurant Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wcdonalds-1.md)
- [Appointment-Basis Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/no-more-tears-im-lovin-it.md)
- [Celebratory Manga QSR Burgers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-japan-evangelion-burgers.md)
