Daniel Arsham’s Split Bust has made a grand arrival, blurring the lines between ancient relics and futuristic artifacts! This latest sculptural edition—limited to just 99 pieces—continues his signature exploration of fictional archaeology, where timeworn aesthetics meet contemporary culture. Inspired by his Fractured Idol series, Split Bust reimagines classical busts through Arsham’s spectacular lens, merging historical grandeur with modern-day surrealism.
At first glance, Split Bust appears like a rediscovered relic, yet upon closer inspection, it unveils an unexpected duality. One half of the face recalls Roman antiquity, a stoic and time-honored profile shrouded in history. The other, however, breaks from tradition—an anime-inspired visage, its expression pensive, its features more animated. This seamless fusion of artistic periods challenges the boundaries of time, asking viewers to reconsider the longevity of cultural symbols.
From Fractured Idols to Split Bust
Arsham’s Fractured Idol series has long examined how revered figures from antiquity can be reshaped, fractured, and reimagined in contemporary art. With Split Bust, he extends this dialogue, constructing a vision where history is not just preserved but actively reconstructed. The use of contrasting materials reinforces this idea—polished stainless steel reflects a robotic, almost futuristic sheen, while cast bronze, adorned with Arsham’s signature Tiffany Green patina, exudes an ancient, oxidized charm. The result is a sculpture that feels both unearthed and ahead of its time, an artifact displaced from history yet undeniably relevant.
A Limited Edition Collectible
Measuring 30 centimeters in height and weighing 8 kilograms, Daniel Arsham’s Split Bust is an imposing yet intimate work, inviting collectors to engage with its intricate details. The edition, priced at $12,500, arrives with a pair of Arsham Studio art handling gloves—a gentle reminder of the fragility of museum artifacts—along with a metallic foiled certificate, signed and hand-numbered by the artist himself.
Daniel Arsham’s Split Bust: A Rapid Sell-Out
For those hoping to secure one, it’s already too late! A quick visit to Arsham’s official site confirms that Split Bust has completely sold out—a testament to the artist’s ever-growing influence in contemporary art and collectible culture. As with many of his previous works, this edition has vanished into the hands of eager collectors, leaving the rest of us to marvel at the ways Arsham continues to manipulate time, history, and perception in his art.
Featured image: Daniel Arsham
Lydia Oladejo is a creative writer with over seven years of experience writing intriguing stories and engaging content. As a Staff Writer at Sewelo, she explores the artistry and history of high jewelry, blending her expertise in storytelling with a passion for luxury design.
