All but a desert mirage, a 43-foot tall (~13 meters) effigy of a naked Donald Trump that dangled over the outskirts of Las Vegas, Nevada, has been removed as quickly as it was installed. Dubbed “Crooked and Obscene,” the 6,000-pound (~2,721 kg) sculpture drew fury from Trump supporters who called it “despicable,” “sick,” “vile,” and an “embarrassment,” among other complaints on social media upon its September 28 debut.
According to News 3 Las Vegas, a spokesperson for the artist, who requested anonymity, explained that the purpose of the installation was to “ignite conversations,” and that the giant sculpture is meant to go on tour throughout different swing states ahead of the presidential election.
The sculpture did indeed generate plenty of conversations, as multiple local news outlets reported that cars were deliberately driving by Interstate 15 to get a glimpse of the piece. People appear to be split down the middle on whether the installation was comical and fair-game or offensive and downright inappropriate. The Republican Party of Nevada issued a public statement condemning the spectacle, saying that families are forced to view the “offensive” artwork that was “designed intentionally for shock value rather than meaningful dialogue.”
“Crooked and Obscene,” made of foam over rebar, was taken down from the crane that held it upright on marionette strings within three days of its installation, sparking questions about whether it simply departed for the next destination in its tour or someone ordered it to be removed.
As speculation about the nature of the work’s removal simmered online, Clark County issued the following statement: “The information being shared on social media is incorrect. Clark County did not permit the Trump statue and it was displayed on private property. Upon being made aware of its existence, Commissioner Kirkpatrick reached out to the property and asked that it be taken down. It was taken down shortly afterward.”
Hyperallergic has reached out to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department for comment.
