Lately my weeks have consisted of sitting around in nail-biting anticipation of the next episode of AMC's The Walking Dead, so call it zombie fever, but I'm a little bit in love with these gruesome figurines by sculptor Jessica Harrison — who hasn't wanted to mutilate a kitschy collectible at one time or another?
Dark as they are, there's an overt humor to the sculptures that makes them almost, well, charming — though Franklin Mint they are most certainly not. In fact, as Harrison describes her work, they aren't necessarily meant to be victims of a bloody massacre:
The things I make are a complex description of simultaneous unmaking and making, deconstructing an object or a body before putting it back together again – this could be interpreted as a violent process, but is often a very delicate and fragile one, a process of transplantation rather than dislocation.
To see more of Jessica Harrison's work, visit her site: Jessica Harrison.
Images: Jessica Harrison
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Her work is hilarious and also kind of creepy. Not sure I like it, I guess it's an acquired taste.
I don't find anything humorous about figurines of women that have been battered... I'm not offended, but I'm not amused either.
I'm pretty sure these figurines haven't been battered. They've got "zombie" in their wee little porcelain veins.
Disgusting.
Gross but hilarious.
Goodness, SMM! They're not battered women, they are ZOMBIES. Did you actually read the post?
I love Zombies. They terrify me, but I can't get enough. I'd love one of these, but I think the children might object.
Sick.
Not a fan, at all.
Maybe when I inherit my mother's Hummel collection I'll give them a zombie makeover :) I'm kidding...or am I?
Battered?
Someone can't read.
Seriously? Is anyone so into zombie-chic irony that they would buy something so disgusting and offensive? Really? "I'm a little bit in love with these gruesome figurines." I'm a little bit throwing up in my mouth.
I find them adorable, but I also have a skull collection (year-round). It all depends on what you are into in my opinion. I happen to love zombies and skulls, others like flowers and frilly things.
I think these are awesome!
interesting interpretation of a popular theme right now. i wouldn't want one in my own home, but they are well done.
Five minutes into The Walking Dead and I can't breathe - great show! The figurines? Eh. Don't get me wrong, they're funny in their own way, I just can't see living with them long term. 30-40 years from now when the grandkids are going through your old boxes in the attic they'll come across these and ask you about them. "Well, little Hortence, Arthur, a long time ago zombies were all the rage..." Expect quizzical stares.
@ SSM, are you serious? Wow, I bet you're a fun chick to hang out with.
They're gross, but I think the idea's cool. I'd like it better if it was very subtle...
Love em to bits. Itty bitty undead bits. Although I'd honestly prefer if they were a bit more hideous. I'm not a fan of the big frilly dresses, but you can't have everything I suppose. Good on her.
Funny, but GROSS! The entrails 'n things are a little too realistic for me--and I'm not normally a squeamish person.
I think they are pretty cute. I am totally annoyed that I think they are cute b/c I'm getting pretty sick of zombie mania to be honest.
juanknowsspanish- Check out foldedpigs's shop on etsy! Plates with skull and cross utensils and zombie plates that read "I love you more than zombies love brains"
I would probably have found these great when I was around 14 years old, but not so much now. It just seems silly to me.
Is AT completely oblivious to the existence of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies? Yeesh.
(Could have done without the artist's input, actually... the only place I'd go with these is lulz.)
I said I didn't think they were funny but I wasn't offended. Just my off the cuff reaction to seeing bleeding female figurines. Not sure why a few commenters are so up in arms over one anonymous online person's personal opinion. I think they look battered, so what. CHILL OUT!
Sorry, not to continue this, but where does the sculptor herself say these are supposed to be zombie figurines? This strikes me as social commentary, but again just my personal opinion.
Try looking at the rest of her work for a little context.
Although The Walking Dead is big right now, these figurines scream Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.
This is one of those ideas I see and think, "Why couldn't I have thought of that?"
adventrising: I was thinking the same exact thing! Clever idea, but I honestly would not want one in my home. Definitely for someone who has a sick sense of humor in their decor.
Excellent. Perfect for the Adams family decor.
LOVE these! I would seriously own them if they were available at retail. Too fun!
I love them, and would have them, but wouldn't display them year round...perfect for a unique Halloween collection!
Nope. No zombies, no vampires, no walking dead. None of that stuff as decorations.
Maybe for Halloween but that would be about it.
Yuck. They look like they should be featured on Regretsy.
I agree with mynameispurple... i think they would be great with a little more hideous touches.. they are still too dainty for my likings but I still think theyre great!
Funny, but totally unnecessary. More crap to piss away money on. Future landfill.
SMM - I'm sure the artist would be amused by your strong reaction but...they're definitely zombies.
If we had the kind of house where we had a china cabinet, I'd probably get one of these for the Spousal Unit. She's obsessed with zombies and her obsession pre-dates their popularity. I think it would be really funny to have one or two sitting among the ordinary china. And our daughter could point it out to her friends as proof of how weird her parents are.
AH-MAY-ZING! Where can I buy?
This is pretty awsome!!!