Imbue (1988) - Mini Drug Lord
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Selected by David López-Carcedo
Holds a master’s in art history with over 10 years in auctions and galleries.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
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Imbue’s 2026 pink plastic sculpture Mini Drug Lord, a miniature Christian cross filled with medicinal capsules, in Pop Art style, 15.5 cm high, 9.5 cm wide, 1.2 cm deep, signed and in excellent condition, origin United Kingdom.
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Description from the seller
MINI DRUG LORD
It is a miniature sculpture by the British artist Imbue.
The work depicts a Christian crucifix made of plastic, filled inside with medicinal capsules.
The meaning of the work revolves around three key concepts:
Religion as a drug (and vice versa):
The piece is a visual quotation of Karl Marx's famous phrase, "Religion is the opium of the people." Imbue blends the ultimate symbol of spiritual faith (the cross) with the symbol of dependence and modern chemical relief (medications).
Critique of the pharmaceutical industry:
By replacing Jesus Christ with pills, the artist points to the giants of the pharmaceutical sector (Big Pharma) as the new "Drug Lords" of contemporary society.
Medicines are consumed blindly to ease the pains of the soul, taking on a dogmatic and ritual function similar to religion.
Faith in science and chemistry:
The title and structure suggest that modern society has replaced spiritual devotion with an unwavering faith in medical science and the chemical manipulation of one’s own mood.
Measurements:
Height 15.5 cm
Width 9.5 cm
Depth 1.2 cm
MINI DRUG LORD
It is a miniature sculpture by the British artist Imbue.
The work depicts a Christian crucifix made of plastic, filled inside with medicinal capsules.
The meaning of the work revolves around three key concepts:
Religion as a drug (and vice versa):
The piece is a visual quotation of Karl Marx's famous phrase, "Religion is the opium of the people." Imbue blends the ultimate symbol of spiritual faith (the cross) with the symbol of dependence and modern chemical relief (medications).
Critique of the pharmaceutical industry:
By replacing Jesus Christ with pills, the artist points to the giants of the pharmaceutical sector (Big Pharma) as the new "Drug Lords" of contemporary society.
Medicines are consumed blindly to ease the pains of the soul, taking on a dogmatic and ritual function similar to religion.
Faith in science and chemistry:
The title and structure suggest that modern society has replaced spiritual devotion with an unwavering faith in medical science and the chemical manipulation of one’s own mood.
Measurements:
Height 15.5 cm
Width 9.5 cm
Depth 1.2 cm
Details
Era
After 2000
Sold by
Owner or reseller
Country of origin
United Kingdom
Style
Pop Art
Material
Plastic
Artist
Imbue (1988)
Title of artwork
Mini Drug Lord
Signature
Signed
Year
2026
Colour
Pink
Condition
Excellent condition
Height
15.5 cm
Width
9.5 cm
Depth
1.2 cm
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