Essay - The Beloved Object

‘The beloved object’

Soapy Jesus

Soapy Jesus is a novelty bathroom toiletry, it contains a mix of bath and shower gel. Its packaging is in the shape of a figure with an image on one side. The image itself is an illustration of Jesus Christ, depicted in this case using a minimalist comic style of only a few colours and prominent outlines to give form to this iconic figure.

Over the course of the last two and a half years i have moved house several times, this object has accompanied me throughout the journey and as such holds a special place in my heart. As it is a novelty item and in an effort to exploit its ironic nature, i mainly kept soapy Jesus in the bathroom, either on the sink or near the shower head, not to be used, just to be seen.

In religious context, the Jesus figure is admired and worshiped by many. But i believe soapy Jesus in its current context, is not to be taken seriously at all. To support this i observe a two key features; the nature of the object itself is amusing and very out of context, also the style of the illustration creates a caricature of Jesus Christ himself and his iconic status in history.

As this soap packaging links the image of Jesus Christ with the mundane task of having a shower, it effects its biblical status. The image of Jesus Christ doesn’t evoke any deep religious thoughts or obligations within me, however i do respect his stature within religious context and its influence over our society. To enhance an objects or images meaning, it should be shown in a context that compliments it.

This can be compared with art. Some artists try to create a feeling of unease by changing the context in which an object is placed, in an effort to paint the object in a different light, for example, turning the image of Jesus Christ into a novelty toiletry.

This is why i have chosen this object. My soapy Jesus. It evokes all the above feelings in me every time it catches my eye in the bathroom. It inspires me to look out for more of those little novelty items that you would normally disregard as common tack!