Kanye’s “Famous” Sculptures Are Not For Sale

Kanye’s “Famous” Sculptures Are Not For Sale

Recently, the sculptures from Kanye West’s “Famous” music video were displayed at the Los Angeles gallery Blum & Poe. Those silicone depictions of West, Kim Kardashian, Taylor Swift, Donald Trump, Rihanna, and others are now for sale for $4 million, The New York Times reports. The buyer will also get the bedspread and the set of 9-volt batteries that have been revealed as the source powering the figures to look like they’re breathing. The gallery’s co-founder Tim Blum has also said that he and music executive Scooter Braun are “actively shopping the piece’s next home.” In addition, a member of West’s team had, at one point, indicated that the display was “on its way to its next location.”

Update (09/01 6:33 p.m. Eastern): In a statement to Pitchfork, a rep for West has denied any plans for the “Famous” sculptures to be available for sale, and confirmed that the piece will available for viewing again. “We are incredibly flattered that a number is being reported but at no point have we ever disclosed a sale price for the piece,” the rep said. “Once again we are flattered by such interest, but as far as Mr. West is concerned – it’s all about the art. We are looking forward to announcing when Famous will be available again for viewing.”

The “Famous” video sparked controversy when it was unveiled at a viewing event in Los Angeles this past June. Explaining the inclusion of the naked bodies of people like Bill Cosby and Trump, West said: “It’s not in support or anti any of [the people in the video]. It’s a comment on fame.” The video has inspired numerous parodies, and was recently praised by legendary film director Werner Herzog.

Read “Fine, OK, Let’s Talk About Taylor and Kanye” and “Kanye West Is Still Changing The Life of Pablo. Does It Matter?” on the Pitch. 

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