Utilizing various unconventional techniques such as the use of photocopier as camera to obsessively enlarge and reduce original photographs, replicate images at the same size up to fifty times, darken and lighten tone sometimes degenerating the images to the point of being unrecognizable and finally re-photographing the photocopies for final prints, Harmony Korine comments on our culture’s fascination with the cult of celebrity and in particular our recent obsessions with teenage pop stars, their culture and sexuality.

"I began starring in movies when I was five years old. Most notably the 'Home Alone' movies. It all happened very quickly. My fame at first was fun for me. It allowed me to run amok and make money acting and doing things that I did in real life. Once, I set my older brother on fire when he was asleep. I felt guilty because my brother suffered severe pain and agony. I was not trying to be mean. I was just born with a purpose." Macaulay Culkin

Published in a limited artist’s edition of 1,000, The Bad Son served as a companion piece to Korine’s 1998 one-man exhibition at Taka Ishii Gallery, Tokyo.
A "Special Deluxe Limited Edition" version of "The Bad Son" was also released. Korine created only 20 copies of this version. The edition is signed (with Korine's signature and "Pitchfork" personal symbol), numbered and sealed (with the original gallery's seal). Each "Special Deluxe Edition", also comes with a unique photographic print by Korine. The print is signed, numbered and titled by Korine himself.
The Bad Son is distributed by Low in Los Angeles and Agnès B. in France.