The Self (Blood Head) series is just what is sounds like it would be, as impossible and gory as that may be. British artist Marc Quinn has created four separate self-portrait sculptures out of frozen blood. And not just any blood. He tapped into his own veins for the unorthodox and deeply personal material.
Although known for his strange sculptures, including Bronze Kate Moss and his plastic surgery exploring exhibition, the Self (Blood Head) series takes the cake (sorry for the food reference). Incredibly lifelike and detailed, each sculpture is made out of four and a half liters of blood, which is extracted over a period of five months. Quinn creates a portrait every five years or so.
Gory Frozen Sculptures
Marc Quinn's Self (Blood Head) Series is Made Out of a Macabre Material
Trend Themes
1. Unconventional Materials - Using frozen blood as a sculpting material presents opportunities for artists to push the boundaries of traditional materials and create unique and provocative artwork.
2. Personalized Art - Artists can explore the concept of self-portraits by using their own bodily fluids or tissues as a medium, offering a deeply personal and intimate expression of identity.
3. Shock Value - Creating artwork with unconventional and gory materials can attract attention and generate curiosity, opening up opportunities for artists to challenge social norms and provoke discussions.
Industry Implications
1. Art and Sculpture - Artists in the field of sculpture can experiment with unconventional materials to create thought-provoking and boundary-pushing artwork.
2. Healthcare and Biotechnology - The use of bodily fluids as artistic mediums could lead to collaborations between artists and scientists in the field of biotechnology, exploring new applications and potential advancements.
3. Marketing and Advertising - Brands and marketers can utilize shock value and unconventional materials in their campaigns to capture attention and create memorable experiences for their target audience.