The death of Oscar-winning actor Philip Seymour Hoffman brought to light the dangers of heroin and other drug abuse. His death inspired a Los Angeles street artist to deliver his message about drug abuse to the Academy Awards.
Coincidentally, Hoffman's autopsy report was revealed hours after the statue was put up. According to Variety, the report revealed that drug intoxication was the cause of the actor's death. Among those found in his system were heroin, cocaine, benzodiazepines, and amphetamine.
The artist, known on the streets as "Plastic Jesus" made an eight-foot-tall depiction of the Academy Award statue, shooting is presumed to be a heroin needle into its arm, sitting on a placard that read, "Hollywood's Best Kept Secret." It was then placed on Hollywood Boulevard, near where the red carpet was, on Friday, according to The Wrap.
The artist had to remove his work, however, when people claiming to be city officials threatened to remove the statue. According to his Twitter feed, the statue is currently displayed on Melrose Avenue.
In a statement from Plastic Jesus, published by ABC News, he said, "Hard drugs are still seen as a taboo subject, with people using in the privacy of their own home or hotel room and afraid of the consequences if the world finds out about their addiction. My piece is intended to say 'let's be aware of the issue, remove the stigma enable people to get help and support."
He also later told The Wrap that a cousin of his, as well as her partner, died from overdosing of heroin, and he made the statue with the intention of bringing attention to the lack of understanding about drug abuse. He said, "I'm not out there shouting for the abolition of all drugs. The piece is really to bring attention about the lack of understanding and support. ... In Hollywood people almost proudly boast that they're a member of Alcoholics Anonymous. That's a good thing. However, with hard drug use, there's still so much of a stigma attached. It's swept under the carpet and people don't get the support that should be available to them."
The timing of his unveiling was due in time for the Oscars, but according to him, he did not intend to promote himself. He explained, "I do many dozens of pieces throughout the year, and they're to illustrate an issue I feel passionate about."
Did the artist manage to deliver the message that he wanted? Does the "Heroin Statue" get a nod or not? What do you think?
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