09/11/2026
9/11 is now a notorious date in American history. In the midst of these tragic memories, I prefer to remember and celebrate the life of a dear friend…Gidget Gein (9/11/1969 - 10/8/2008). Gidget was one of those cats who radiated brilliance. He was a founding member of Marilyn Manson & the Spooky Kids, responsible for styling the band and writing many of their earlier songs. Edgy and unrestrained, his musical talent carried through to his art. He helped shape the GaGa and UnPop art movements with work that was witty, insightful, and sardonically dark. He was a man who championed the underdog, portraying the failures of our celebrity icons and culture. Ironically, he chose these topics not to belittle his subjects, but because he saw in them the opportunity to overcome. Gidget wore his demons on his sleeve and was very honest about his shortcomings. He had that same celebrity and watched it slip through his fingers. In each of his works he painted himself underneath the surface, and whether mocking or sympathetic, he was searching for a collective redemption. Sadly, after a very successful stint at rehab, Gidget succumbed to a decades-long battle with substance abuse in 2008. I had seen him in his best and worst states, at his most creative and at times where he struggled for direction. When he trusted himself, he was such a viable art force, with energy and passion that appeared limitless. I am honored that he was a friend and a huge part of Hyaena during our early stages. His work and presence is still a constant inspiration which I see echoed in the admiration of his many fans and friends.
Here’s a painting he did on his birthday, when the towers came down in NY. It was his observation of the events that day, but also a reaffirmation that we are indeed alive. He would joke about the cockroach, the ultimate survivor…perhaps that was his spirit animal and what kept him pushing for so long. “I see the city breakin’ and everybody shakin’, and we’re stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive.” Amen.
