Andrei Molodkin's Corpse-to-Oil Art Technique Draws Interest Ahead of Venice Biennale

Russian artist Andrei Molodkin has devised a method to convert human corpses into crude oil, which can then be used as fuel or sculpted into artworks. His current solo exhibition at Daneyal Mahmood Gallery in New York runs through April 11, 2009. Molodkin's work is also slated for inclusion in the 2009 Venice Biennale. The transformation process requires two to three months using a specialized apparatus. Among those on the waiting list for the procedure are a BBC reporter, who desires his remains to be fashioned into a brain sculpture, and a French porn actress, who wishes to become a sculpture of praying hands. As of March 17, 2009, no major art supply companies have announced partnerships with funeral homes to commercialize this technique. The Independent originally reported this development.