Skip to main content

The Phaidon Folio

9 of Paul McCarthy's Most Depraved, Disturbing, and Unforgettable Artworks

By

9 of Paul McCarthy's Most Depraved, Disturbing, and Unforgettable Artworks
Paul McCarthy Pig Island, 2003-10

It’s not hard to come up with adjectives to describe the work of Paul McCarthy; words like “perverse,” “iconoclastic,” “disgusting,” and “brilliant” all leap to mind, as do phrases like “widely influential” and “taboo-bashing.” All such descriptors can be readily applied to these 9 works excerpted from Phaidon's newly expanded monograph Paul McCarthy, which feature some of the artist’s most notable (and visceral) works from the 1990s to today.  Whether you’re a longtime fan or are just now discovering the naughty delight of L.A.’s resident bad boy artist, these works are sure to make you feel…something.

THE GARDEN
1991-92

The Garden

SPAGHETTI MAN
1993

Spaghetti Man, 1993

SANTA CHOCOLATE SHOP
1997

Santa Chocolate Shop, 1997

PICCADILLY CIRCUS
2003

Piccadilly Circus, 2003

BOUND TO FAIL: PM HM SCULPTURE ON PEDESTAL
2003-4

Bound to Fail: Pm Hm Sculpture on Pedestal, 2003-4

PIG ISLAND
2003-10

Pig Island, 2003-10

CARIBBEAN PIRATES (WITH DAMON MCCARTHY)
2005

Caribbean Pirates (with Damon McCarthy), 2005

GAP
2009

Gap, 2009

COOKING SHOW WHITE SNOW (WS)
2012-3

Cooking Show White Snow (WS), 2012-3

discover the newest art
You may also like
Discover
Print ▸
Photograph ▸
Painting ▸
Sculpture ▸
Mixed Media ▸
Work on Paper ▸

DISCOVER

a treasure trove of fine art from the world's most renowned artists, galleries, museums and cultural institutions. We offer exclusive works you can't find anywhere else.

LEARN

through exclusive content featuring art news, collecting guides, and interviews with artists, dealers, collectors, curators and influencers.

BUY

authentic artworks from across the globe. Collecting with us means you're helping to sustain creative culture and supporting organizations that are making the world a better place.

CONNECT

with our art advisors for buying advice or to help you find the art that's perfect for you. We have the resources to find works that suit your needs.

INSIDER ACCESS TO THE WORLD'S BEST ART

Artspace offers you authentic, exclusive works from world-renowned artists, galleries, museums and cultural institutions. Collecting with us helps support creative culture while bringing you art news, interviews and access to global art resources.

  • COLLECT FROM 300+ GALLERIES & MUSEUMS

Not a member yet? |Forgot your password?
Damien Hirst, Pardon, 2012
James Welling, H1, 2006
Josh Smith,LARGE IMAGE J.S. (Untitled, 2006), 2012
Sol LeWitt, Two Centimeter Wavy Bands In Colors, 1996
Coke Wisdom O'Neal, The Gospel of Wealth, 2013
Alex Katz, Coleman Pond II, 2007

prompt placeholder

prompt placeholder