Toxic Art

Faline · #1 ● 08-12-2011, 08:33 AM

A U.S.-based artist has courted controversy by creating a portrait of the late soul singer Amy Winehouse using painkiller pills.
Jason Mecier has captured the tragic star in a poignant pose depicted by colourful medications, as part of a series of mosaics inspired by celebrities who battled drug abuse.
Rehab-star Winehouse died at the end of last month, bringing to an end her well publicised battle with crack cocaine, heroin and alcohol.

Mr Mecier has crafted Winehouse's 17in x 21in portrait using 5,000 multicoloured tablets, a not-too-subtle commentary on the weaknesses that led to her downfall and untimely death.
It captures the star's trademark beehive hairstyle, eccentric eye-shadow and signature mole.
Winehouse appears alongside tragic figures Michael Jackson and Heath Ledger, while reforming addicts Courtney Love and Kelly Osbourne also feature in the series.

Mr Mecier says his love of creating art using unusual materials began when he was a child, where he would use beans, noodles and yarn to make artwork to sell at bazaars and scout groups.
Other celebrities who have asked for the portraits include Chris Rock, Pink, Tori Spelling and Chelsea Handler whose portrait includes empty vodka bottles, a Snuggie box, Martini glasses, bottle opener, buttons, batteries, chapstick, dice, pens, badges and movie tickets.