A Prophylactic Portrait of the Pope
Shorewood artist Niki Johnson takes years and uses 17,000 condoms to create a portrait of Pope Benedict XVI after hearing former Catholic leader make comments about AIDS.
Photos
A concept captured and communicated visually creates a visceral relationship with the viewer in ways the written word can't, Niki Johnson says.
Through her portrait of Pope Benedict XVI, which was created with roughly 17,000 condoms, the Shorewood artist hopes to spark dialogue about sexuality and making healthy sex choices.
"There's so many ways to look at the types of conversations that can arrive from seeing a piece like this," she said. "Everyone is going to take away something different from it, and I feel like there are many communities that I would like to speak to. I think it's time for people to allowed to love who they love, be safe about it and make good choices with their lives. And, to have our world leaders support them."
While listening to a radio broadcast in 2009, Johnson heard Pope Benedict — who resigned last month — say the use of condoms would actually increase the AIDS epidemic in Africa. Johnson was befuddled by the sentiment — but also inspired.
Whether it be through the shock value of a prophylactic portrait of the pope, or through humor, or even out of anger, Johnson hopes to start broad discourse.
The message
Johnson, an adjunct assistant professor at the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, wanted to use an appropriate material to enhance the relationship between a public figure and a belief system.
"In a way, it provides a deeper level relationship, a conceptual nuance, that goes beyond just an op-ed piece, or something that can be said in passing," she said. "Like with most art, that happens when you are in the presence of it. I hope that this piece has an opportunity to be in front of a greater audience, because seeing it in person is so much more."
Sex is an integral part of being human, Johnson argues.
"Healthy sex makes for strong communities and happy people," Johnson said.
Her portrait — called "Eggs Benedict" — isn't simply a shot at the former pope, but is a poignant piece that is meant to bring about these types of conversation, Johnson explained.
Johnson said the thought of backlash from those who might be offended by a portrait of the pope using condoms was in the back of her mind when she was creating.
"It is about wanting to have deeper conversations with more people, and engage more people," she said.
Creating 'Eggs Benedict'
From conceptualizing the piece to threading thousands of non-lubricated condoms through wire mesh, Johnson labored over "Eggs Benedict" for years.
In May 2009, she made a donation to a health advocacy group in exchange for 6,000 condoms. What started off as a small piece, limited to the Pope's face, progressed into a larger portrait.
"It would strike some nerves, but there would be a population that would be willing to talk about it," she said.
Johnson began to notice the latex condoms were breaking down, becoming ashy and losing their vibrancy, and she took steps to expand their lifespan. She began laying the condoms on bookshelves under fluorescent and incandescent lights; dipping the rubbers in castor oil and lubricant; spraying them with WD40 and ArmorAll; and dusting them with talc.
After moving to the Milwaukee area in 2012, she again went on the hunt for condoms, but the task proved difficult.
"Securing the last 14,000 condoms was almost like securing contraband," she said. "It was an event, to say the least."
Then for months, spent nights sitting on her couch, "methodically slicing open hundreds of foil wrappers, pulling out their contents, unrolling them and then bagging each color group."
Johnson is in the process of framing the piece and in negotiations with a local gallery to put "Eggs Benedict" on display.
For more on the process of creating "Eggs Benedict," and its message, visit Johnson's blog.
Bob McBride
5:58 pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
17,000 condoms that could have been used to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases used, instead, to create this masterpiece. No irony in that whatsoever.
Bob McBride
7:03 pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
In a similar vein, the appearance of this item at a time when Patch is soliciting, on their Facebook page, input on anti-Semitsm in the NS area for a future article.
Nuitari
6:13 pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
I don't think this is what Sandra Fluke had in mind.
David Tatarowicz
6:24 pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
According to the story above Ms Johnson said
"Her portrait — called "Eggs Benedict" — isn't a shot at the former pope, but is a poignant piece that is meant to bring about these types of conversation, Johnson explained."
Yeah --- Right .......... I don't believe her.
The Catholic church is open game for any and all kinds of bigotry by those who loudly proclaim that they are not bigots.
Just as I don't believe that someone with a Swastika on their arm is not anti Semitic or that someone with the Rebel Flag flying from their pickup isn't anti Black --- I don't believe that someone who uses condoms to make a caricature of the Pope isn't anti Roman Catholic.
The Dalai Lama has openly said that he thinks that Same Gender Sex is wrong and not wholesome and bad --- I can't wait for Ms Johnson to make a caricature of the Dalai Lama out of Tibetan sheep dung ---- but I don't think she will --- that would not be "hip" or PC.
Bob Pearce
8:38 pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
I don't see your point. What is wrong with criticizing, or even ridiculing, the Catholic Church? The Church's attitude about condoms is not just a trivia item, it is a threat to the health and safety of millions of people. This portrait is a good way to bring that to people's attention. As for the Dalai Lama, exactly how many millions of people in the world follow everything he says?
CowDung
9:14 pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
How are the Church's attitude about condoms a threat to the health and safety of millions of people? The Church promotes abstinence...
Bob McBride
10:07 pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
This portrait is a good way to bring that to people's attention.
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Not really. It's just a way for a relatively unknown artist to gain some personal attention by creating "art" of a controversial nature. I wouldn't be at all surprised to learn she's spent the past month or so rushing to get this thing done so that she could unveil it before Pope Benedict became completely irrelevant from a topical standpoint.
generic screen name
1:12 am on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Let's have a little perspective here. Throughout history, people have been thrown to the lions for being Christian. They've been burned at the stake. Catholics were even killed in Nazi concentration camps. *These* are examples of hatred and bigotry.
The artist said about her piece:
" I feel like there are many communities that I would like to speak to. I think it's time for people to allowed to love who they love, be safe about it and make good choices with their lives."
That doesn't exactly strike me as hate speak.
You should also take a look at the artwork itself. The artist could've made it an unflattering "caricature" of the Pope. But instead, she chose to use a respectful photo of the pontiff.
This tells me the art *is* about making social commentary. Just because her social views conflict with the Catholic church, doesn't mean she hates them or is bigoted against them.
I get that there's kind of a knee-jerk reaction among religious folks to defend the church. But in the grand scheme of things, how egregious an offense is this really? Aren't there more serious issues that deserve your ire?
Bob McBride
6:13 am on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
I get that there's kind of a knee-jerk reaction among religious folks to defend the church. But in the grand scheme of things, how egregious an offense is this really? Aren't there more serious issues that deserve your ire?
*********************
The work was intended to create exactly that kind of reaction. In fact, the issue she's addressing is rather superfluous to the desired reaction. This was a statement made 3 years ago that was roundly criticized at the time. It's old news.
The tactic itself is not a new one. I doubt anyone off the top of their head can recall what the intended message of "Piss Jesus" was, yet pretty much everyone remembers it and the controversy surrounding it.
The Catholic Church is a no-risk target. It's considered perfectly legitimate to take shots at it from any angle. And yet it's still possible to stir people up in the process. What better way to draw attention to yourself?
Cazzie
2:32 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
I wonder why these artisits don't do one of Mohammed?? We know the answer to that. It's so sad that people ridicule and demean Christians constantly. We'll hear the pleading and crying when he returns.
Did you know that in the Muslim religion, the only prophet without sin is Jesus. Look it up Lefties.
David Tatarowicz
7:24 pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
I support the right to free speech and if this article is one that Patch wants to publish, so be it.
I had thought that Patch had more class than this --- I guess I was wrong.
I think the author -- Adam McCoy should consider this article he wrote and published in comparison to others that I don't think he would write or publish:
1) Why don't Sikh's conduct gay marriages
2) Why is homosexuality not allowed under Islam
3) Do Black Baptist Ministers preaching against homosexuality keeping the AIDS epidemic among Blacks underground
Not the best examples as I am stretched for time -- but I hope I made my point that the Freedom of Religion has rights, and that Patch should not condone the mockery of any religion.
Bob Pearce
8:44 pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Most protestant churches don't teach people not to use birth control. As for the muslims and sikhs, their impact on American culture is negligible. The Catholic church, however is a huge force, religiously, socially, and economically. A huge force that considers its traditions more sacred than the lives of people who die needlessly because they follow the church's prohibition of birth control. I think a lot of Catholics are still angry that they don't have the power to legally prohibit art or writing that challenges their medieval mindset. They no longer have that power, so they now treat any challenge to their dogma as prejudice of discrimination or some other way of dismissing out of hand any criticism that still reaches them.
CowDung
9:12 pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Funny how you complain about people adhering to the Church's teaching on birth control, but ignore the fact that they aren't following the Church's teaching on having sex.
If they were truly following the teachings of the Catholic church, then condom usage wouldn't be an issue...
Sunrocket
7:53 pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Wow - as an atheist I find this really in poor taste. Yes the catholic church has made some huge mistakes and needs to take ownership of and address it. I think Ms. Johnson has some hangups of her own. If she really just wanted to "spark" conversation I would think she could find a better way to do it. She is either going to have people that are really for this or really against it and I would think she would want to "spark" the in between which is just going to ignore it because it is so ridiculous. I would not want her teaching any of my kids because I do not think she is objective and is one of those "artists" whose art has to reflect whatever dysfunction they have.
Bob Pearce
8:46 pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Why must artists be "objective"? My guess is you are an atheist because that makes one more controversy you don't have to make a choice in.
Sunrocket
9:23 pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Oh really Bob? I'm an atheist because I do not believe in god. My choice. That said I have a huge respect for people that choose to believe, as I would hope they would respect my choice to not believe. I don't think an artist needs to be objective but I think a teacher needs to be. Controversy or whether I chose to engage in any has nothing to do with it.
Tom McMahon
8:10 pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
OK, I'll ask the question everyone has thus far been too afraid to ask: New or Used?
Ian
8:17 pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
The hypocrisy here:
If this "artist" would have made this same piece of "art" of the Prophet Muhammad there would be such an uproar and she would be fearing for her beheading. A Muslim uprising would be blamed on her and the Obama administration would have her locked up!
Seriously, anything for attention from the Facebook generation. Go look into the rape of young children in Africa and try and protect them ...
Patch will post anything for the sake of having something to post. There must not have been a car break in today.
Bob Pearce
8:47 pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
You really do not know what you are talking about at all.
Sunrocket
9:24 pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Bob - I think you are as hung up as she is.
CowDung
9:18 pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Perhaps the artist should pay closer attention to the news--Benedict isn't the Pope anymore...
Ian
9:26 pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
You must have missed that line in the article, she spent months on the couch methodically unwrapping condoms!
She's unwrapped more condoms than an NBA basketball player. Quite a skill that will come in handy I'm sure...
Ian
9:51 pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
If we spent that much time unwrapping 14,000 condoms, we wouldn't have a clue there was a new Pope either! Who would have time to keep up on current events? Give her a little slack!
Ian
9:59 pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
She might be on to something! She can make various household objects out of condoms, but have it be done creatively... Imagine never having to make an uncomfortable trip to a Walgreens register again! Just pluck one off the "picture frame" or bed side "lamp" ..
Mr. Wonderful
10:05 pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
I think the article is fine and it's actually an impressive piece of art. As far as making a mockery of the church, are they not open to criticism when they use their sphere of influence on politics and how people live their lives. I could care less what Catholics do, but leave me out of it. And as far as the 'teachings of the church' and abstinence....what a joke - an organization which has abused and protected the abusers of countless children shouldn't be preaching a damn thing as far as I'm concerned. Condom use significantly reduces unwanted pregnancies and STD's and the failure of the church to acknowledge basic facts and science is reason enough criticize it.
Greg
10:21 pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
That is so cool. I'm making a portrait of Ellen DeGeneres out of 33,000 tongue rings.
Ian
10:22 am on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
How ironic, we're supposed to be sooooooo tolerant of everyone else in the world including terrorists who openly call for our deaths, but some squishy liberals have problems with the Cathloic Church and their views on birth control. Why aren't you tolerant of their beliefs?? Liberals can mock Christanity, but say something bad about Muslim extremists and all of the sudden you're the insensitive one ..
What we have become ..... ???
We will be responsible for our own demise because of this stupidity ..
The Donny Show
10:22 am on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
And this is the crap that we are federally funding? No wonder people want art programs cut when budget times comes.
Jory Pradjinski
11:51 am on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
This is the most disgusting thing I've ever seen. That the Patch views this as news worthy is just plain stupid. "Just because you can doesn't mean you should." Just shows that Patch is anti-Christian just like our "president". Wouldn't this woman be better able to use her "talents" to something that would better fight her fight? Guess not, that would involve logical thinking which is scarce in this country.
David Tatarowicz
12:39 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
@Jory I agree it is disgusting.
I think it needs to be defined as specifically Anti Roman Catholic and not Anti Christians --- there are many Christians who are Anti Roman Catholic.
I don't know it Patch is being Anti Christian or Catholic here --- what I do know is that they are fostering bigotry and hatred of a religion that over a billion people follow --- not in a scholarly fashion or intelligent discourse, but through a disgusting display that demeans and belittles.
I have to wonder why and how you bring Obama into this? He is an Evangelical Christian who has a heritage that includes ancestors who were Muslim.
I do not follow any particular religion as I don't believe in putting a name on God -- but I respect those who do have religious beliefs --- and if I perceive any of them as harmful or hateful --- I would not hesitate to converse on that -- but not through toilet art.
Although raised Christian, my ancestors included Jews and Muslims ---- and I have respect for all the good aspects of all of them.
I guess I can understand the motivation of the so called artist --- she has taken about as low a road as possible to get her 15 minutes of fame, and hopefully some cash from the same people who admire the Emperor's wardrobe.
As for Adam, I have a hard time trying to figure out his motivation for condoning and publicizing this trash --- and I am surprised he does not see a connection between this type of bigotry and smut and the hate it fosters.
Greg
12:51 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Timing is everything. 15 minutes of fame a few weeks, or years, late makes you look like an idiot. If Ms. Johnson had half a brain she would have kept this piece to herself.
Mike
12:03 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
It's art, not my particular style, but hey, I'm sure it took a lot of hard work, and it will inevitably spark some conver....errr, arguing, just like the artist wanted.
I wonder if at any point she started getting dirty looks from her local walgreens cashiers, I mean, how often she must have been in there buying condoms and all.
Greg
12:31 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Who knew condoms came in so many pretty colors? (no pun intended)
Cricket
12:44 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Unfortunately, we have given her the attention the wanted.
Greg
12:57 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
I don't know that it is quite the attention that she wanted, but it is probably more than she deserves. What she created is not edgy or provocative, it is just sad.
Joe Peterlin
12:49 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
So-called artist searching for her fifteen minutes of fame through sleazy sensationalism. What a wonderful message this sends to the pliable young minds that she is charged with indoctrinating. If I had progeny attending MIAD on my dime, they would be finished today. If the school continues to employ her, they are condoning bigotry and disrespect toward all Roman Catholics.
Insane mailman
1:30 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Suggestions for her next project???
How about a portrait made of feminine hygiene products to draw attention to cervical cancer or a portrait using diapers to draw attention to the co-sleeping problem.
Lighten up people. You either get it or you don't. You either like it or not. It is a freedom of expression she enjoys by living in this country even though I find her project pretty koooky (which is my right to express).
Cricket
2:08 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Insane - as is all of ours - right to express, that is.
Greg
2:33 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
And we are free to express our thoughts, lightened up or not.
Ian
2:44 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Patch is only looking for numbers on how many people click their website. The more views the better the editor(s) look.
Look how many comments this piece of garbage has received compared to the other filler stories.
Find any story to get people worked up over and they've done their job. Obviously by me commenting on this I'm contributing to the scam, but obscene things like this article should not be left alone.
By the way, Obama calls himself whatever he wants as long as it's good for him politically. If anyone buys most of the BS he dishes out on a daily basis, you have other issues that are deeper than this attention seeking "professor" or "artist".
Nuitari
8:28 am on Thursday, March 21, 2013
That's why you have to make your comments count. Blast this liberal piece of garbage.
Bob McBride
10:14 am on Thursday, March 21, 2013
Frankly if I were a business advertising on Patch I'd be a bit concerned about an article that actively promotes this artist's intentional mockery of the Catholic faith. I realize that within the left-leaning cocoon that is Shorewood, it probably never crosses the minds of most that there might be people out there who would take offense at something like this. But since these articles tend to drift across community borders to areas where Catholicism may not be mocked/reviled by significant portion of the population, a business could find itself viewed as supporting something potential customers (or even existing ones) find highly offensive.
LuvtheOC
11:45 am on Sunday, March 31, 2013
I hope she at least sent the condoms to Sandra Fluke. Glad to see Shorewood is sooo Progressive and intolerant.
Cheryl S
12:27 pm on Friday, April 5, 2013
FABULOUS!!!! Free speech for the Patch, the artist and for all of us!!!
Sid
4:15 pm on Thursday, April 11, 2013
Amazing!!!!!!