The temptation is to photograph all the photos on display, but it is enough to stop for a moment to understand that it really makes little sense: the camera of our mobile phones would flatten all the density, depth and colors that LaChapelle, as a true artist as he is, pours in all his work.
It is worthwhile bearing in mind the Messianic-flavored title of the exhibition, di dwell on the works of the last decade, dedicated to the environment. The photographer’s ‘green turn’ is not just linked to one almost Franciscan passion for creation, but to a real life change that he has undertaken for some time now, taking refuge in the Hawaiian Islands to live on a farm with few family and close friends and several animals to manage. In the uncontaminated and almost mystical nature of that border area, lost in the Pacific Ocean, David LaChapelle explored the miracles of nature and denounced the need to change course.
In the series Land Scape, for example, the artist invites the critical and conscious use of fossil resources, rejects anthropocentrism and reminds us that human survival – perhaps the greatest miracle – cannot be separated from that of nature. Among the shots on which to dwell more there is Spree (made in two years, between 2019 and 2020): LaChapelle built a 35cm model of a cruise ship stranded in chunks of ice, to represent the “New global Titanic” that awaits us if we do not pay more attention to the exploitation of environmental resources.
What image to keep at the end of the exhibition?
This (below). During the pandemic period David LaChapelle worked a lot on himself: has once again revised its priorities and focused on the simpler forms of nature around him. Nature as it is, without any artifice and human intervention, just what is around us, is the miracle we should realize. This is how remarkable shots of flowers and plants are born. However, the “photo of the photos” for us is another: it is called Revelations (2020), belongs to one of the artist’s latest series, and shows us a contemporary society distressed by uncertainty and instability, almost close to the Apocalypse. Engineered in unsuspecting times, when the pandemic was not yet rampant and the war was not even vaguely contemplated, it leaves us incredulous in front of the ruins of our time. Yet, we cannot fail to catch a glimmer of light and hope: it is what radiates from this kiss.
Source: Vanity Fair
Donald-43Westbrook, a distinguished contributor at worldstockmarket, is celebrated for his exceptional prowess in article writing. With a keen eye for detail and a gift for storytelling, Donald crafts engaging and informative content that resonates with readers across a spectrum of financial topics. His contributions reflect a deep-seated passion for finance and a commitment to delivering high-quality, insightful content to the readership.
