Plastic Jesus on “united colors of america
Plastic Jesus, United colors of America
A Powerful Reflection on Unity, Identity, and Hope
Nearly two decades after moving to the United States, Nick Stern, widely known as Plastic Jesus, continues to observe the country through the unique lens of both immigrant and cultural commentator. His latest work, United Colors of America – 50 States, emerges from that deeply personal perspective.
Arriving in America, Stern was immediately struck by the extraordinary diversity of cultural, racial, and heritage backgrounds that define the nation. As he reflects, immigrants have shaped the United States for centuries for better and for worse and that layered history remains central to the country’s identity today.
The inspiration for this piece is profoundly intimate. As the father of a four year old daughter whose friends represent countless nationalities and backgrounds, Stern witnesses daily what society often forgets: children do not see race with prejudice. They see difference without judgment. The crayon box format instantly recognizable and rooted in childhood memory becomes a powerful metaphor. It questions inherited bias while encouraging a return to childlike acceptance, unity, and love.
At a time when global discourse is increasingly polarized, Stern is deliberate in his approach. Rather than simply echoing division, he seeks to embed hope within critique. He openly acknowledges the emotional toll that responding to the world’s turbulence can take on an artist. For him, empathy requires awareness but it must be balanced with the conscious pursuit of positivity. United Colors of America is not naïve; it is intentional. It proposes that unity is not the denial of difference, but its celebration.
Plastic Jesus, STOP MAKING STUPID PEOPLE FAMOUS
Central to Stern’s practice is his strategic appropriation of consumer culture and branding. He understands that logos and packaging no longer simply sell products they sell lifestyle, aspiration, and identity. By recontextualizing familiar commercial formats, he taps into a collective unconscious. The viewer is drawn in by recognition, only to confront a deeper, often uncomfortable truth. This immediate visual accessibility combined with layered meaning gives the work both intellectual and market strength.
Regarding the limited edition release, Stern expresses a desire to see the work widely exhibited in galleries, museums, and public spaces. Yet strikingly, he also speaks about schools as ideal environments for this piece. For him, messaging remains paramount. Institutional validation, he acknowledges, plays a vital role in elevating contemporary work within both cultural and market contexts, reinforcing value morally as well as monetarily. For collectors, this dual ambition cultural impact and institutional relevance positions the work strategically within the broader contemporary landscape.
Looking ahead, Stern is expanding his practice through the launch of NKS Creative, a studio dedicated to delivering strong visual messaging for organizations, public art initiatives, immersive experiences, and cultural platforms. This evolution reflects a maturing practice that bridges fine art, public intervention, and strategic communication broadening his reach while maintaining the integrity of his artistic voice.
For collectors, United Colors of America, 50 States represents more than a visually compelling mixed-media construction. It embodies a moment in cultural history, articulated by an artist unafraid to confront division while advocating for unity. It is conceptually sharp, emotionally resonant, and socially relevant a work that speaks to our time while carrying the optimism of the next generation.
In case of Emergency Break Glass
Veuve Clicquot
22” x 12” x 6” / ±56×30×15CM
Mixed Media
2019
Edition of 100 pcs
