Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has commissioned a 7-foot turquoise sculpture of his wife, Priscilla Chan. Created by renowned artist Daniel Arsham, this sculpture draws inspiration from ancient Roman traditions.
The monumental sculpture stands as a striking tribute to Priscilla Chan, featuring her likeness in a contemplative pose. Crafted in a vibrant turquoise hue, the artwork depicts Chan walking barefoot and gazing into the distance, wrapped in a flowing silver garment reminiscent of angel wings12. This unique combination of colors and symbolism adds depth to the piece, which now resides in the couple's yard as a permanent installation34.
Mark Zuckerberg commissioned the sculpture of his wife as a grand romantic gesture12. The Meta CEO explained his motivation on Instagram, stating, "Bringing back the Roman tradition of making sculptures of your wife"3. This reference to historical practices adds a cultural dimension to the contemporary artwork, blending classical traditions with modern artistic expression.
Zuckerberg clarified that this wasn't a spontaneous decision, but rather a long-considered project. He commented, "I've joked about making a sculpture of her for years and when the opportunity to work with Arsham came up I finally did it!"4 This revelation provides insight into the thoughtful planning behind this unique tribute to his wife, Priscilla Chan.
The unveiling of the colossal sculpture sparked significant online debate and discussion, with reactions ranging from admiration to skepticism. While some viewed it as a grand romantic gesture, others questioned the scale and placement of such a personal artwork in a private setting. Priscilla Chan herself appears to have embraced the tribute, commenting on Zuckerberg's Instagram post, "The more of me the better"12. This public display of affection and artistic patronage has drawn comparisons to other high-profile gestures, such as the speculation surrounding a sculpture on Jeff Bezos' yacht that resembles his fiancée, Lauren Sanchez3.
Renowned contemporary artist Daniel Arsham brought his distinctive style to the creation of the Priscilla Chan sculpture, further cementing his status as a sought-after talent among high-profile clients. Arsham's works are known for their unique aesthetic and can command prices ranging from $1,000 to $450,000, according to Heritage Auctions1. This collaboration with Zuckerberg not only showcases Arsham's artistic prowess but also highlights the intersection of technology and art in the realm of Silicon Valley's elite.