David LaChapelle’s highly anticipated exhibition, ‘Make Believe,’ has made a grand entrance at Fotografiska New York. The excitement and energy surrounding the event was palpable, with eager guests lining up around the corner and a crowd gathering at the velvet rope entrance. In a post-Covid New York, such anticipation and enthusiasm have been rare, making this exhibition all the more remarkable.
‘Make Believe’ marks LaChapelle’s largest solo show in the United States thus far, spanning three floors of Fotografiska’s Manhattan outpost. Fotografiska, known for its world-class photography collection, originally hails from Stockholm and has gained international acclaim. LaChapelle’s exhibition is a testament to his artistic brilliance and includes over 150 works, ranging from photographs to stained glass pieces, films, and collages. Some of these artworks date back to his early career in 1984, while others are shown for the first time.
The exhibition offers a deep dive into LaChapelle’s exploration of various themes that have shaped his body of work. Influenced by his Catholic upbringing, the artist incorporates multiple portrayals of Christ, such as the iconic ‘Jesus is My Homeboy’ for ID magazine and an image of Kanye West wearing a crown of thorns. LaChapelle also delves into pressing issues like environmental disasters, world politics, AIDS, mysticism, gender identity, celebrity culture, and the beauty of nature. These themes are powerfully depicted in the show, providing visitors with a thought-provoking and immersive experience.
In addition to his personal reflections, LaChapelle pays homage to the artists who have influenced him along his journey. He captures his close friend and muse Amanda Lepore as Marilyn Monroe, reminiscent of Andy Warhol’s iconic Pop art style. LaChapelle draws inspiration from other legendary artists like Edward Hopper, David Hockney, and Robert Smithson. Through his wide range of references and artistic influences, LaChapelle creates a multi-layered narrative within his works.
Prominent figures from the realms of music, fashion, and pop culture prominently feature in the exhibition. Madonna, David Bowie, Britney Spears, Lizzo, Travis Scott, Miley Cyrus, Kim Kardashian, Courtney Love, and Tupac Shakur are among the subjects depicted in LaChapelle’s art. The exhibition even includes the last-ever portrait of Andy Warhol, captured by LaChapelle himself on November 22, 1986. The inclusion of these iconic figures adds another layer of intrigue and excitement to the show.
The opening night of the exhibition boasted a vibrant party atmosphere that enhanced the overall experience. As guests made their way through each floor of the exhibit, the crowd intermingled on the staircase and crowded into elevators. Strategically placed bars among the artworks created a lively and immersive environment. The David LaChapelle reading room, with a DJ spinning in the rafters, added a club-like ambiance to the event. The exhibition is located in a landmarked 1894 building, which also houses the Veronika restaurant and is adjacent to the Chapel Bar.
Following its successful opening, ‘Make Believe’ is now open to the public from September 9, 2022, until January 9, 2023. This presents an incredible opportunity for art enthusiasts and fans of LaChapelle’s work to immerse themselves in his captivating world of imagination and social commentary. The exhibition promises to deliver a memorable and thought-provoking experience for all who attend.
Useful links:
1. Fotografiska New York’s official website for the exhibition
2. David LaChapelle’s official website
