I know what some of you are thinking—but you’re wrong: this is a giant inflatable Christmas tree. Well, an installation actually (or is it sculpture?) by American artist Paul McCarthy.

The clue is in the title: “Tree” and its color—green.

McCarthy specifically designed “Tree” for the Foire Internationale d’Art Contemporain (Fiac) or the contemporary art fair being held in Paris between the 23rd and 26th October.

However, it appears this 80ft erection (stop sniggering…) in the stylish Place Vendome has been “making passers-by feel a little uncomfortable” because, as France TV Info reports, many Parisians are unable to associate this festive installation with “the magic of the holidays”(!)

Understandably, this confusion led to much jocularity on Twitter.
 

Je confirme, c'est bien un plug anal Place Vendôme pic.twitter.com/WiYHN63StY

— Quentin Girard (@quentingirard) October 16, 2014

cc @quentingirard pic.twitter.com/ObuLEkQ5Zu

— Maîtresse Gilda (@Maitresse_Gilda) October 16, 2014

Did I take the metro across the city to see the gigantic #buttplug on Vendome Square? Absolutely. #notachristmastree pic.twitter.com/qhVmbN4C7P

— PuvisInParis (@PuvisInParis) October 17, 2014

 
And the usual seething outrage from the far-right groups like Printemps Francais who tweeted their disgust about the work:

“Taxpayers – this is where your money goes!” said one post, while another claimed the Place Vendome had been “disfigured” and Paris “humiliated”.

Meanwhile the British free newspaper Metro is running a poll on exactly what their readers think the piece represents.

I am sure the 69-year-old artist McCarthy is probably used to this kind of debate over his art. Last year, McCarthy outraged/amused the Chinese with his giant “turd” installation “Complex Pile” in Hong Kong—which when put together with “Tree” does suggest a vague theme going on his work…
 

 

 

 
Via France TV Info