K.A.C. 2014 - T - 23 ...

     Welcome back! Usually each year I do an entry on the strangest, most bizarre Christmas trees of the season that inventive folks come up with - in past years we've had various Dalek trees, trees made from chocolate, teddy bears, shopping carts, beer cans ... the list goes on and on.

     Not to be outdone, over in Paris this year there was an art project that got quite a lot of attention - and NOT because of its holiday cheer! Entitled 'Tree', it was a 24 meter (80 foot) tall inflatable creation by American artist Paul McCarthy and it caused quite a stir. Why 'was'? If you can't tell just by the picture, then read the full story here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/17/paul-mccarthy-paris_n_6003192.html

     So what's your take on it? Do you find it avant-garde and forward thinking, or just offensive? One Parisian took the second view while the 'tree' was being installed and showed his displeasure by attacking the artist, punching him in the face three times. The details are here: http://news.artnet.com/art-world/paul-mccarthy-beaten-up-over-butt-plug-sculpture-136129 

     The locals were SO incensed by it that within 24 hours vandals jumped the fence and cut the hoses to it, leaving it a large, green mess in the square. And just like the holiday itself, it was over before we had a chance to truly appreciate it.  It never even made it to Christmas! Read about its sad demise here: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/11171441/Vandals-deflate-giant-sex-toy-sculpture-in-Paris.html 

     I can't go on - I need to compose myself - goodbye, 80-foot-tall Christmas butt plug ... er, 'tree' ... we hardly knew ye!