Gold Kanye West Jesus Statue Erected In Hollywood

A gold statue of rapper Kanye West as Jesus has been erected in Hollywood. Constructed by L.A. street artist Plastic Jesus, the life-sized sculpture is named “False Idol.” The statue does not depict West on a cross, but his arms are spread, there are nails in his hands, and he is donning a crown of thorns. In addition, there appears to be a pair of Yeezy Boost 350 sneakers on his feet.

Plastic Jesus promoted his creation on his Instagram, with the caption, “False Idol.” Check out the artwork below.

Kanye Gold Jesus Statue

The artist emphasized that his piece is more a commentary of how West is treated by the press and his fans, rather than a display of worship.

“He’s a genius at writing and producing but he’s not a God, and that’s where we put him,” Plastic Jesus said in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. “Until there’s an issue in his life or a hiccup in his career, then we crucify him.”

His latest project is not the first to be in the center of a controversy — in 2015, the artist sculpted a statue of an Oscar snorting cocaine.

The rapper himself has also previously played with Jesus associations. On a Rolling Stone cover, West wore a crown of thorns as Jesus. His hit song “Jesus Walks” clearly showcased religious themes, and he brought a Christ look-alike onstage during his Yeezus tour a few years ago.