Daniel Arsham Merges Anime with Antiquity

Daniel Arsham unveils his latest sculptural edition, SPLIT BUST — a striking new addition to his ongoing exploration of “fictional archaeology.” Limited to just 99 pieces, the work draws from his Fractured Idol series and echoes the large-scale version first seen at the Venice Biennale last year.

The sculpture features a split face — half classical Roman, half anime — each side cast with a contemplative expression. Made from stainless steel and cast bronze, it blends the ancient with the futuristic. A Tiffany Green patina gives one side a relic-like texture, while the mirror-polished surface on the other side leans into a sleek, robotic quality. With SPLIT BUST, Arsham once again bridges eras and aesthetics, inviting us to consider how cultural symbols move through time and space.