Printed custom cardboard box with foam packing containing an approximately 18 x 14cm self standing plastic and glass mirror, an original 7 x 5 cm color photograph and a 21 x 18 cm leporello brochure/poster (8pp) with black and white images of Brad Renfro and images of James Franco having his arm incised with the name "Brad." The cuts were made with a switchblade by tattooer Mark Mahoney. The mirror has the words “Brad Forever” handwritten by Franco on the glass using pink lipstick. In fine condition, this example with mailing label on verso addressed to the poet Frank Bidart, who became friends when they collaborated on Franco’s short film, “Herbert White,’’ based on Bidart’s poem of the same name, which is a monologue told from the viewpoint of a serial killer. The title poem of Franco's own book of poetry, “Directing Herbert White" is about the film based on Bidart’s poem.  

Brad Renfro and James Franco co-starred in the 2002 film Deuces Wild, leading to a complex artistic tribute by Franco after Renfro's tragic 2008 death from an overdose; Franco created art projects, including carving "Brad" onto his arm and designing a switchblade, as a poignant memorial to his late friend and fellow actor, who he felt was forgotten by the industry. The present work not only commemorates the youthful death but reminds one of young love and the often remarked upon beauty of an early death. Part of a The Thing Quarterly "...a periodical in the form of an object. It's like a magazine, except that each issue is conceived of by a different contributor and then published on a useful object."