“Nostalgia is very important to me, because it is a part of my life, as well as a part of everyone else’s.”
Whatshisname INTRODUCING
Loved by collectors yet banned by the London Underground for being ‘offensive’, Whatshisname – aka Sebastian Burdon – is precisely what the contemporary art scene needs: a bold, unapologetic voice who isn’t afraid to spark controversy.
As the newest signing to the Castle Fine Art portfolio, the Polish-born sculptor and fine artist has exhibited around the world, from Hong Kong to Los Angeles and New York. As he prepared to embark on his biggest project yet – a monumental exhibition at Covent Garden – we took a trip to his London studio to find out more about his new Whatshisname X Castle Fine Art collection. “I would describe my work as innovative, modern Pop Art,” Sebastian tells us with a wry grin. “My colours are inspired by children’s birthday party balloons; they’re supposed to evoke happy and
joyful feelings. People can see the humour in them and they put a smile on their faces: that’s something that you can’t find with many artworks.” This is certainly true of his POPek series, a collection of vibrant balloon dogs that originally started as a parody of the American contemporary artist Jeff Koons. These humorous sculptures hit the headlines in 2012 after being banned from the Art Below exhibition at London Underground stations, and have since appeared everywhere from the Affordable Art Fair to the Cathay shopping centre in Singapore.
Stretching Balloon Dog | Red (above) Hand-sprayed Resin Sculpture | Edition of 95 Height 26cm, Length 30cm, Width 10cm £1,250 Downward Balloon Dog | Green (top) Hand-sprayed Resin Sculpture | Edition of 95 Height 20cm, Length 23cm, Width 10cm £1,250
Stretching Balloon Dog | Blue (above) Hand-sprayed Resin Sculpture | Edition of 95 Height 26cm, Length 30cm, Width 10cm £1,250 Downward Balloon Dog | Yellow (top) Hand-sprayed Resin Sculpture | Edition of 95 Height 20cm, Length 23cm, Width 10cm £1,250
Balloon Dogs - Set of Four £3,950
22 FINE ART COLLECTOR AUTUMN / WINTER 2021
FINE ART COLLECTOR AUTUMN / WINTER 2021 23
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