“The Bailiff.” By Victor-Hugo Vaca II
- Size: 19 x 19
- Date: October 8, 2006
- Medium: Oil and acrylic canvas.
Seen by thousands, at the infamous, Art Basel Miami Week “Crackhead Jesus Exhibit”, as documented in news press article:
Victor-Hugo’s Crackhead Jesus Christmas Season Premiere Through January, 2008
Controversial artist’s diary of the world on canvas, solo exhibit at The Fifth on South Beach
NEW YORK/EWORLDWIRE/Dec. 17, 2007 — Multi-media artist Victor-Hugo Vaca Jr.’s groundbreaking interactive iNovel, Crackhead Jesus, premiered on ‘http://www.victorhugogallery.com‘ during Art Basel Miami without protest. The first in a seven-book series based on the controversial artist’s diary of the world on canvas is being shopped around for agents, publishers and movie producers interested in bringing the unique project to theaters and television.
South Beach impresario Gerry Kelly and acclaimed Torontonian and nightclub owner Oliver Geddes have extended Victor-Hugo’s solo exhibit at The Fifth on South Beach due to popular demand through January, 2008. The artist, who does not have an agent or gallery representation, held the largest single art exhibit during Art Basel week, exhibiting over fifty works of art at the exclusive upscale venue.
The artwork on display tells the story of curious real life events that transpired after a high ranking CEO, high on crack cocaine, announced to his employees that he was the New Messiah. Victor-Hugo says he envisions the camera going through the canvas and exiting with live action sequences to tell the tale of each bizarre painting. He hopes the large scale project will employ several entertainment industry notables and introduce the world to new talent.
“Advanced copies of Crackhead Jesus were sent to every major Christian media outlet before the premiere so that people could see that my intention was not to blaspheme or disrespect divinity. I had an affluent tenant who said he couldn’t pay the rent because he was Jesus Christ. I told him I didn’t care who he was, the bank wanted to be paid,” Victor-Hugo claims.
Victor-Hugo is seeking investors to bring the project to life. He says the series is a Harry Potter for adults about a coven of Witches that run a law firm, creating chaos throughout history. The iNovel aims to raise awareness about serious issues including corruption in the United States justice system using humor and satire.
A full-page Miami Herald advertisement announcing:
“Crackhead Jesus is coming! A story of false prophets and lawyers, watch the saga unfold on ‘http://www.victorhugogallery.com‘” was well-received by the affluent, international Art Basel audience.
“I thought the ad would be censored and that people might protest the event, but it appears everyone understands that Crackhead Jesus is a modern day parable of redemption – not an insult to Jesus Christ. I was elated to hear that the show was extended due to popular demand. Once the right people get involved in this project, a lucrative industry will be created that will educate, entertain and employ many people,” Victor-Hugo said.
The copyrighted manuscript was sent to several publishers who advised him to resubmit the book through an agent. Victor-Hugo plans to release the book with his illustrations as a modern art graphic novel.
