There is a persistent rumor that Walt Disney was cyrogenically preserved in the basement of a building on the idyllic Cal Arts campus. The mystery surrounding his death coupled with the fact that it was rumored he spent thousands of dollars on cyrogenic research was the inspiration for the creation of the Frozen Walt Doll, a collaborative work of art by conceptual artist Burt Payne 3 and SpongeBob Squarepants creator Stephen Hillenburg. The first two iterations, the original (Black Tie) in 1989 and the Red Tie in 1991 of which 100 of each were made, helped finance their education at CalArts, the prestigious art school founded by Walt Disney. The Frozen Walt Doll epitomizes their caustic humor and provides a wry commentary on the myths and magic of the Hollywood empire builder.
Steven Hillenburg & Burt Payne 3 Frozen Walt Doll, Green Tie Edition, 1996 Plastic, paint, resin. In cardboard box with labels. 5 x 2 x 1.5 inches Signed and numbered. Edition 46 of 1000
