New Museum Hard On "Big Dick," Kicks Out Artist

Below is a clip of artist David Livingston bringing his 6-foot-long absurdist work of art into the New Museum, where he remains for about 30 seconds before being kicked out—even though this might be a great addition to the Koons-curated Skin Fruit exhibit currently taking place there. Maybe he should try squeezing through the naked people with it at MoMA?

When Bowery Boogie asked him about the project, he said, "I find its childish humor appealing, and I am fascinated by my sudden transformation from anonymous pedestrian to attention-grabbing street performer." The "Big Dick" (as he calls it) has also visited the Stock Exchange and dared enter stroller territory in Park Slope. Yikes.

Livingston told us this morning that the New Museum was the first time he'd been kicked out of a place, however, adding: "I was disappointed that I didn't get to look at any art with the dick on. I feel no animosity towards the guard who asked me to leave. He was doing his job. I'm annoyed that I actually purchased a ticket... they charged me $8. That seems a bit steep for a student." When we asked the New Museum what they had against a little pink felt and sofa upholstery, they simply told us: "We support freedom of expression!"

UPDATE: A rep for the museum has now added, "it is my understanding that the guest would have needed to coat check the item."

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By Jen Carlson in Arts & Entertainment on March 16, 2010 12:11 PM

Comments [rss]

artlover77

Wow! I can't believe how much anger and resentment such a delightful performance piece brings out in people. If only more art were like this and less like the tiresome so-called "street" art and other garbage that fills the galleries throughout the city. All the comments pretend that this artist isn't successful, but obviously he was able to inspire quite alot of feeling in these people - so quite to the contrary, he is clearly hitting a nerve. More big dicks and less grumpy curmudgeons!

Clarice City

Sophmoric freshmen year of art school antic. What an asshole.

H.W. Fowler

I'm completely blown away. His art project really makes me think and frankly that scares me!

Want to punch in face.

Rover

How lame on the New Museum's part!

Museum security is the worst.

Schooled

Totally boring. It would at least be slightly more interesting if he added some hair and texture. It looks like the Snoogle I used when I was pregnant, except more Pepto Bismol.

jibbly

If he wasn't called an "artist" I would find this a lot funnier. It's like Jackass lite. In fact this "piece" would be much better if wee-man in a baby costume kicked him in the junk and they ran around the museum chasing each other.

Mr. Know-It-All

Now THAT'S entertainment!

Mr. Know-It-All

OK, so this guy's project is a big fucking snoozefest. But come on, the "New Museum" in the fucking Bowery? What a bunch of poseurs: "I'm sorry sir, but I'll have to ask you to check your penis."