Hollywood Sign used for controversial performance art piece

Artist Sabine Tautou conducted a performance piece titled ‘Public Figure, 2026’ at the Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles on Friday morning. The performance, which lasted approximately 25 minutes, involved Tautou mummifying a nearly naked, restrained man against the landmark.

According to a news release, the act was intended to create a ‘compelling physical and ideological juxtaposition’ between the Hollywood Sign, a symbol of fame and aspiration, and the mummified man, whose state was meant to represent restricted movement and erased identity. Tautou, who describes herself as a ‘fetish professional and fantasy curator,’ was detained by police and cited for trespassing.