Zak Bagans Displays Painting from Charles Manson's Ashes

Zak Bagans Displays Painting Created from Charles Manson's Ashes

Zak Bagans does not creep out easily. But as he looks into the eyes of his newest display piece for his Las Vegas museum, he says, “This is creepy as hell,” Zak Bagans exclaims as he looks into the eyes of Charles Mansion in the painting on display at his museum. “You can literally feel him looking back at you.”

Bagans, proprietor of Zak Bagans’ Haunted Museum at 600 E. Charleston Road, has in his clutches a painting of Manson created using the convicted killer’s ashes. This is a common medium for artist Ryan Almighty, who uses human blood (in this instance his own) and human remains to create his artwork.

Bagans, host of the Travel Channel’s paranormal investigation series Ghost Adventurers, received the painting Saturday morning. He is having it framed and plans to display the work beginning Wednesday (August 1) in a museum room dedicated to convicted killers. Thus, the new piece will be displayed alongside such items as Manson’s false teeth and the art he created during his 46 years in prison. In the past, Bagans has displayed a bloody Manson hand print, paintings created with Manson’s urine and jewelry made from his hair and underwear.

But the posthumous painting is especially unsettling. Just gazing at a photo of the piece elicits chills. “Obviously, this piece is a little more charged,” Bagans continues. “It’s a little more creepy than most of the other objects.”

Bagans is certain of the authenticity of the materials used in the painting – specifically Manson’s remains – as his production company is developing a documentary about the serial killer’s life. Bagans has been working with Manson’s grandson, Jason Freeman, who won a legal tussle over possession of Manson’s body and organized the late serial killer’s memorial service.

With Freeman’s consent, Bagans’ crew recorded footage at Manson’s funeral in March in Porterville, Calif. Manson’s body was cremated following the open-casket service and his ashes were then spread across a creek bed. During that event, someone connected to Bagans’ production company obtained some of Manson’s ashes, which were then presented to Almighty for the painting that will now hang in the museum. “I know exactly who was there, who got some of the ashes, the various people grabbed the ashes to throw them in the air,” Bagans confides. “I have all the footage. I am really strict about how I display things and I know they are all legitimate. This is legitimate.”

Bagans’ describes himself as simply a collector of items in a particular niche – the creepy – and the Manson painting fits ideally in his macabre category. “It gives you the chills,” Bagans adds, “and it is awesome.”

Source: John Katsilometes, The Review-Journal, July 28, 2018; and The Haunted Museum.

See also The Haunted Museum in Las Vegas and Zak Bagans Pays $50K for Ted Bundy's Glasses.