All Photos By Gail

The Cuckoo Egg Cup Under Spilling Plastic Flowers (1985) is as culpture by American artist Thomas Lanigan-Schmidt. This intricate assemblage measures 39 x 12 x 12 inches and incorporates materials such as foil, wood, plastic wrap, cellophane, tape, staples, a vinyl record, printed matter, plastic bottles, plastic flowers, and a plastic spoon.

The artwork exemplifies Lanigan-Schmidt’s distinctive approach of transforming commonplace items into vibrant, ornate pieces that blur the boundaries between high art and everyday objects.

Lanigan-Schmidt’s work often reflects themes of class, sexuality, and religion, drawing inspiration from his experiences within the LGBTQIA+ community and his Catholic upbringing.

His art is characterized by the use of humble materials, such as tinfoil and cellophane, which he elevates into elaborate, glittering constructions. This approach challenges traditional art hierarchies and celebrates the aesthetics of marginalized communities.

In The Cuckoo Egg Cup Under Spilling Plastic Flowers, the juxtaposition of everyday materials and religious iconography invites viewers to reconsider notions of beauty, value, and spirituality in art. The piece stands as a testament to the artist’s ability to infuse the mundane with profound meaning and visual splendor.

Photographed in the Museum of Modern Art in NYC.