Andy Warhol, perhaps the most famous pop artist of the 20th century, used his artwork to idealize and represent American culture–Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, and of course, the Campbell’s soup can. They were cultural icons depicted in his colorful art portrayals. Would everyone agree with me that if Mr. Warhol were still alive, he would paint a splashy, neon-infused portrait of the one and only Lady Gaga? The answer would probably be yes, but luckily for us, the people of Paris have taken that task out of such an artist’s hands.
In Paris, Lady Gaga will have her own exhibit in an art museum in Montmartre. Lady Gaga is officially taking over the world, and changing it. Her “little monsters” will take anything they can get from their musical idol, and it is no surprise that her music and fashion triumphs are resulting in the creation of artwork. For us “little monsters,” her accomplishments have become our accomplishments. Lady Gaga making waves in the art world is a huge endeavor, and watching the process has been amazing for all of her fans.
One has to wonder: What does it take to be Lady Gaga? She is revolutionary. She is bold and fierce and sticks to her beliefs; she takes chances. She wore a meat dress to MTV’s Video Music Awards. She can get men to dance around in heels in her music videos. But the best part is that she can actually sing.
In just a few years, Lady Gaga has altered the realm of the pop world. Emerging pop artists not only have to follow her act, but try to take it a step further. But, is it possible? She now has a Parisian art exhibit under her belt.
According to Elle Magazine, the exhibit will be titled “Lady Gaga à Gogo” at Galerie Chappe in Montmartre, an already artistic enterprise and community in France. Although the exhibit will be short-lived, from Oct. 22-30, it is sure to be an exceptional tribute to the pop phenomenon. The exhibit will pay tribute Lady Gaga’s knack for creating fashion crazes. She has inevitably fueled the idea that fashion is art and vice-versa; without her fashion statements as an art form, the persona of Lady Gaga just would not be the same. As stated in the magazine, the exhibit features “works by artists asked to reflect on what the diva means to them.”
These fine artists include Orlan, Aurèle and Winnie Denker. Granted, I have never heard of such artists, but to be featured in a celebrated museum and creating artwork inspired by a celebrated musician must make you an esteemed artist.
As seen from the Elle website, the artworks created overseas are cartoon-like. Some portraits will recreate album covers and others will exhibit her most notable fashion statements throughout her career. Combining her real album art, the artist’s coveted fashion outfits, and the imaginative design of the artist at work creates a modern depiction of the “fame monster” and her gifts to culture. Lady Gaga not only uses her music to express her personal beliefs and sentiments. She also produces her music to create a lifestyle — she wants to let people dance, have fun and have the courage to create for themselves. The artwork will certainly reflect such ideals.
I can’t say this about many pop artists, but Lady Gaga has changed the way of incorporating cultural values, stereotypes and beliefs with dance music. She has brought her own life experiences and personal opinions into a form of music that is enlightening yet fun to listen to. She can wear what she wants, when she wants, and no matter how outrageous it is, I will always appreciate the courage she has for strutting down red carpets, on stages, and on the streets in anything she sees fit to throw on. She is a rare find in this music world, and an art exhibit is just one of many of her up-and-coming international feats.
Photo credit: Ladygaga.com
