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David Lachapelle Retrospective

Contemporary art exhibition boom in the historical buildings in France?

David Lachapelle RetrospectiveDavid Lachapelle Retrospective
Museum, 2007 © David LaChapelle

Lately, France is absorbed in having contemporary art exhibitions at historical buildings such as Jeff Koons at Château de Versailles, Palais de Tokyo's contemporary art show at Fontainebleau, and so on.
Among the boom, even Monnaie de Paris had announced a plan to have a large scale contemporary art exhibition. There were several small scale exhibitions at the Monnaie de Paris before, but this time, it is a retrospective of American artist, David Lachapelle, who is a hip photographer in the fashion and advertisement industries.

David Lachapelle Retrospective
Photo: Kana Sunayama

Although it is the Mint, They do not mint Euro bills any more at this building. It is a museum now. On the second floor around 200 of David Lachapelle's work are presented. I am not sure it aims or not, but David's favorite subjects are Hollywood stars and international celeblities who would personify the subject of a desire; money.

David's work is exhibited based on the theme at this retrospective. It includes some papier-mache 3D photos consisting of pictures on cardboard of images lininging up next to each other, and the makings of videos of the extras who go after David's shooting locations and worship David like a God. You can also find his latest work, "Flood" a series which the artist boasts was ispired by Michelangelo's mural at the Sistine Chapel.

David Lachapelle Retrospective
Cathedral, 2007 © David LaChapelle

Of course, there are many pictures of celeblities such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Madona, David Bowie, Naomi Campbell, Pamela Anderson, Uma Thurman, Elton John, Angelina Jolie, and Paris Hilton etc...Also, his muse, Amanda Lepore's portraits are exhibited.

David Lachapelle Retrospective
Amanda as Andy Warhol’s Marilin, 2002 © David LaChapelle

Even though I was overwhelmed by the atmosphere of the venue which is colored by David's theatrical compositions and garish colors, I could agree with his reputation as a photographer in the fashion and commercial industries. I cannot deny that his work has a strong attraction and impact.

David Lachapelle Retrospective
The House at the End of the World, 2005 © David LaChapelle

David Lachapelle has worked on commercials for brands such as H&M, Burger King and the American TV drama "Desperate Housewives", and music video clips for Christina Aquilera, Amy Winehouse, Britney Spears, and Norah Jones. He has also worked for the covers of Rolling Stone Magazine and Vanity Fair. Although he was named as a "contemporary artist" for this retrospective, I couldn't agree with neither that title nor the message from his work.

This David Lachapelle Retrospective was advertised extensively all over the Paris. I am not sure whether the result of the extensive advertisement, or the result of the selection of popularized subjects, the venue was full of people from day to night during the term of the exhibition. As a writer who always places myself in the art industry, I muttered to myself with a deep sigh while I was looking at people who enjoyed David Lachapelle's vulgar work, "see, the vogue of art is not created naturally, it is decided by someone...'

David Lachapelle Retrospective
Date: February 6th - May 31st 2009
Place: Monnaie de Paris
http://www.davidlachapelle.com

Text: Kana Sunayama
Translation: Fumi Nakamura

Have a look at "Shift city guide paris" for your information guide of paris.
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