Saatchi-Inspired Sculpture Takes Controversial Grip on Life, Art

By Jordan Teicher 

The new Charles Saatchi devil sculpture, currently on display at London’s Jealous Gallery in Crouch End, could choke some people the wrong way. The sculpture alludes to a domestic assault incident between Saatchi and his soon-to-be ex-wife, British cooking personality Nigella Lawson, when Saatchi was photographed with his hands around Lawson’s neck. Saatchi later described the act as a “playful tiff,” and an anonymous British artist (now is the time to be skeptical, considering artists never want to be anonymous) created the sculpture/interactive art for anyone interested in being playfully choked by the likeness of an ad man with horns and red skin.

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The original choking incident took place about a month ago, which means the wheels were turning pretty quickly on this sculpture/publicity stunt. But now I’m writing about it, as will others, which also means that someone – possibly Saatchi himself, will successfully capitalize on the divorce. Some might say that’s frugal, tasteless, dumb, or a combination of the three.

Check out larger image after the jump.

 

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