Pop surrealist Ron English recently erected a massive pair of sculptures in China. But shortly after installation, the giant-sized MC Supersized and Liberty Grin characters faced an issue. “Although the statues, produced by Poplife, were legally sanctioned, local authorities ordered their removal shortly after installation, citing concerns about SCALE!!!” the artist wrote. On Wednesday morning, they were up, but by 10 p.m. that evening, they were gone. English was last featured on HiFructose.com here.
The sculptures, at more than 20 feet in height, were placed outside a Reel Department Store in Shanghai. They were created at part of his “East Meets West” show in the city, which takes place through Saturday. A regional McDonalds had also complained about the MC Supersized statue, in particular, but that was reportedly not the primary reason for the dismantling of the project.
The works fall in line with English’s POPaganda project, created to “to describe his signature mash-up of high and low cultural touchstones, from superhero mythology to totems of art history, populated with his vast and constantly growing arsenal of original characters, including MC Supersized, the obese fast-food mascot featured in the hit movie ‘Supersize Me.’”
In En Iwamura’s recent show at Ross+Kramer Gallery's East Hampton venue, the artist explores the concept of “Ma,” a philosophical Japanese concept focusing on spatial awareness between entities. His vibrant creations, with their distinct structure and playfulness, give viewers the chance to consider Ma with his creatures.
South African artist Mary Sibande explores race, history, gender, and other social themes, her visceral mixed-media figures constructed from fiberglass, cotton, resin, and other materials. She uses a sculptural representation of herself, Sophie, to also look at her own family’s generational narrative. Her practice also includes photography, integrating the themes of her sculptures and installations.
Austrian artist 
With his signature “Ohlala” character,