Controversial Sculptor Exhibits Oprah Sarcophagus

CHICAGO—Sculptor Daniel Edwards unveiled a half-scale model of his Oprah Sarcophagus at Gardenfresh Gallery in Chicago this week, courtesy of New York's Leo Kesting gallery. The gilded bronze coffin lid bears a nude full-figure likeness of the media mogul with vertical stripes and is being exhibited alongside the artist's Oprah Burial Mask.

Edwards says the sarcophagus was inspired by Oprah's account of mourning the death of her golden retriever, and he hopes it will act as a starting point for her to engage with recently retired baby boomers about considering their own funerals. "The Oprah Sarcophagus is the ideal visual aid for educating boomers about living wills, casket choices, and memorial service arrangements," said Leo Kesting co-director John Leo.

The gallery has confirmed that a life-size version of the sarcophagus exists but added that there are no immediate plans to exhibit it. Edwards hopes to unveil it on The Oprah Winfrey Show.