Papal portrait made of condoms unveiled in Third Ward

 Call it a controversial portrait of the former pope, that’s sparking worldwide discussion on sex and the catholic faith.  What’s causing the stir is what it’s made of.
“This piece is called ‘Eggs Benedict,’” said artist Niki Johnson.
From far away, it looks like a contemporary portrait of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.
“From the front, it looks like a well-made textile,” said Johnson.
But it’s the medium that sends the message.
“This piece is made out of 17,000 non-lubricated condoms.  What I did was interstuff them and fold them to create this tonal range,” she said.
Standing at almost 7 feet tall and 5 feet wide, the colorful latex-lined piece is the latest installment by the Shorewood artist and Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design (MIAD) instructor.
It’s been a work in progress for the last three years.  The idea came when she heard a remark made by the former pope made on a trip in Africa.
“He said promoting condoms would help increase the spread of AIDS, and I was just dumbfounded.  I couldn’t make any sense of that statement, so I figured I needed to do something,” said Johnson.