Transcending celebrity with surrealism
- Source: Global Times
- [23:08 November 30 2009]
- Comments
LaChapelle's Archangel Michael: And No Message Could Have Been Any Clearer.
David LaChapelle, 2006. Photo: Thomas Schweigert.
By Xing Daiqi
Many photographers aspire to be in David LaChapelle's shoes. Internationally acclaimed and a celebrity in his own right, at age 40, he is ranked among the Top Ten Most Important People in Photography in the World by American Photo. LaChapelle was in Beijing last week promoting his upcoming exhibition and presenting a series of lectures.
Students at the China Central Academy of Fine Arts filled the auditorium for the rare chance to see LaChapelle as he outlined the ups and downs of his 25-year-long career. He also spoke at two bookstores in Beijing, presenting works and promoting his upcoming exhibition scheduled for June.
"His campus speech ignited the enthusiasm of art students," said Li Muyi, organizer of LaChapelle's Beijing tour. "All seats were taken and people had to wait outside the venue to listen to his lecture."
LaChapelle's exhibitionn next year will include several collections of work including Auguries of Innocence, Deluge, Holy War and Meditation, covering a wide range of themes from society's obsession with celebrity, the decadence of pop culture and religion. His very popular fashion photography will also be part of the show.
The world famous photographer and music video/ commercial director is known for his work in fashion and fine art creations. He has shot personalities as diverse as Tupac Shakur, Madonna, David Beckham, Paris Hilton, Hillary Clinton and Muhammad Ali. His work has transcended commercial photography and is now shown in galleries and leading art institutions worldwide.
While last week's visit was LaChapelle's fi rst to China, he explained that he already had a basic understanding of the country and its culture through photographs taken by his friends and his parents who have traveled here previously.
