Splendour In The Grass’ Inflatable “Sad Kanye” Is Copping A Lot Of Criticism
"You mean the guy that was admitted to hospital suffering from poor mental health? But nah mental health is funny when it's Kanye."
Splendour In The Grass has announced they’ll be hosting a gigantic blow-up ‘Sad Kanye’ at this year’s festival, amongst a bunch of new art installations. The ten-metre tall inflatable will come courtesy of Barcelona-based art group Hungry Castle, who have already toured a prototype at Barcelona festival OFFF and look set to bring it to a host of others.
Here’s how the group describes the work: “Why you got that resting bitch face, dog? Sometimes you crazy but you’re a dope ass producer and writer,” Hungry Castle said. “We want to send you some love by blowing up your big head as a 10-metre tall inflatable sculpture.
“It’s going to travel around the world to Bestival, Splendour and god knows where to next. But what should we put inside to make you happy?”
Hungry Castle’s previous efforts at Splendour have included some genuinely great jokes, namely 2015’s pun-tastic ‘Nicolas Cage In A Cage,’ but ‘Sad Kanye’ has faced staunch criticism of the way it seems to turn emotional health into the punchline.
He isn't my cup of tea but mental health shaming isn't ok. Kanye has publicised his depression. @SITG meh but I expected better of @triplej https://t.co/jktmIhYMVi
— Katie Maree (@KatieMaree_88) June 1, 2017
Poor form @SITG – mental illness is no joke. Especially amongst musicians. You should know better. #SITG
— matthew craig (@whatmsees) June 1, 2017
After you guys always drive home the serious issue of mental health. Kanye was taken to hospital for it. I think this is pretty distasteful.
— Zane Bryant (@enaz22) June 1, 2017
A post on triple j’s Facebook page celebrating the inflatable is attracting a number of critical comments calling it “poor form”, and expressing disappointment in the national youth broadcaster.
And look, memes like this are popular for all sorts of reasons and it’s highly unlikely Hungry Castle wanted to belittle mental illness. Gigantic versions of celebrities are hilarious like 99 percent of the time.
if you're keen for Splendour's inflatable sad Kanye, pls note the same people did the inflatable Nic Cage so… moderate your expectations pic.twitter.com/4Cq2hEnvky
— Mitch Knox (@mitchables) June 1, 2017
But whatever your take on Yeezy’s public persona, his (and everyone else’s) mental health deserves respect. Intention doesn’t really count for much when the final product literally mocks a dude for having emotions, especially one who has a particularly shitty time with his mental health over the past year.
Splendour In The Grass’s sold-out Byron Bay festival will run over three days in July, anyone still looking for a ticket can try their ticket resale facility.
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If you’d like to talk about depression or other mental health issues, you can reach Lifeline 24 hours a day on 13 11 14, and Headspace on 1800 650 890.
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Feature image: Instagram / coolshit.