Five for Friday, written by a variety of MoMA staff members, is our attempt to spotlight some of the compelling, charming, and downright curious works in the Museum’s rich collection.

Five Visceral Works in the Collection

I’ve always been something of a tomboy, so it’s not surprising that I’m drawn to beautifully visceral works of art. Readers beware: continue only if your stomach shares your boundless appreciation of modern art.

1.) Paul Thek. Hippopotamus Poison. 1965
One of my favorite pieces in the collection, this slab of incredibly detailed faux-hippo meat is composed of expertly manipulated wax. Vegetarians lay down your arms.

2.) Bruce Conner. Child. 1959-60
This assemblage of wax, nylon, cloth, metal, and twine creates a mummified being which is seated in and bound to a rough-hewn high chair. It has a face only a mother could love.

3.) Tom Friedman. Untitled. 1995
This tiny sculpture, made partly with hair, has been known to confuse even the most seasoned collector. When it is installed in the galleries, our security guards must prevent visitors from swatting at the “fly.”

4.) Chris Ofili. Prince amongst Thieves. 1999
Ofili’s use of elephant dung is a visceral shout-out to African tribal art.

5.) Haegue Yang. Sallim. 2009
This recent acquisition is an elaborate scent machine whose spatial composition is based on artist’s own kitchen. It creates and emits a variety of odors including that of fresh-brewed coffee, apple pie, vomit, and dinosaur dung.