Marc Quinn's Gold Kate Moss Sculpture Siren Revisited in New Book Kate by Marc
On October 15, Idea Books will release a new publication titled Kate by Marc, which provides a unique preview of Marc Quinn's gold sculpture, Siren, featuring Kate Moss. Created in 2006, this sculpture followed Quinn's earlier piece, Alison Lapper Pregnant (2005), which highlighted a disabled woman and deviated from conventional statues of historical male figures. Reflecting on bodies often overlooked in classical art, Quinn pondered which figure society would idealize, arriving at Kate Moss. The pose of Siren, reminiscent of yoga and devotion, is frequently misinterpreted as sexual and is not derived from a Calvin Klein ad or paparazzi shot. Siren symbolizes a pivotal moment before culture splintered into countless individual images, and gold was chosen for its universally recognized value, akin to that of gods and icons.
Key facts
- Marc Quinn created the gold sculpture Siren depicting Kate Moss in 2006.
- The sculpture is featured in the book Kate by Marc, published by Idea Books on October 15.
- Quinn's earlier work Alison Lapper Pregnant (2005) publicly showcased a disabled woman.
- Siren's pose is often misunderstood as sexual but hovers between yoga, devotion, and impossible elegance.
- Quinn asked what body society would idealize, and the answer was Kate Moss.
- The internet franchised image worship, making Siren feel prophetic.
- Gold was chosen for Siren because it is precious by collective agreement.
- The book offers an exclusive first look at the sculpture.
Entities
Artists
- Marc Quinn
- Kate Moss
- Alison Lapper
Institutions
- Idea Books
- Calvin Klein
- Vogue