Why is there a scorpion on the 'Venus' single cover art?

[ReidOne 12,415]

I'd never really questioned why Gaga is wearing a scorpion on her face for the 'Venus' single cover art, but today I googled "Venus scorpion" and I believe I found the answer... Apparently, there is a decades-old rumor that a "scorpion-like" creature is the only living species on the planet Venus. 

One of the things I love most about Gaga's song "Venus" is how she intertwines the Greek/Roman mythology with space & planets. So this is perfect, to me! 

Apologies if this is already widely known, but it is news to me!

 

 

[KyliesChild 16,907]

It's in reference to Marina Abromovic, actually. Nice find, though!

http://studioart2014.blogspot.com/2014/04/marina-abramovic-portrait-with-scorpion.html

[Haroon 49,682]

Wow cool  I'd kinda assumed it was random and kooky but loved it nonetheless  Thanks for this though, it's always nice to realise that extra thing that enlightens you and makes you appreciate it even more  

[ReidOne 12,415]

3 minutes ago, Skai Jackson said:

It's in reference to Marina Abromovic, actually. Nice find, though!

http://studioart2014.blogspot.com/2014/04/marina-abramovic-portrait-with-scorpion.html

OMG --- even better!! Thank you! She's simultaneously giving homage to her ARTPOP muse (Marina) & tapping into Venus planetary alien theories. In this pic, she is literally giving us "scorpoins on Venus" ... Absolutely brilliant!! 

[ghs 3,167]

It's actually a sign reference. Her Venus is on Scorpio meaning she is very sexual (People born with Venus in Scorpio will place a very high importance on sex in their lives.  They can be incredibly sexually magnetic.  They are always a little dark and mysterious and maybe a little scary.) - and that's what the song is all about. But really nice find.

[Andrew Warhola 12,992]

I thought it was because scorpions are venomous

[ReidOne 12,415]

Just now, ghs said:

It's actually a sign reference. Her Venus is on Scorpio meaning she is very sexual (People born with Venus in Scorpio will place a very high importance on sex in their lives.  They can be incredibly sexually magnetic.  They are always a little dark and mysterious and maybe a little scary.) - and that's what the song is all about. But really nice find.

I wondered if there was an astrology tie-in as well... Thanks for this! I think we are all right. I believe she's intended for it to reference all these things. 

[KyliesChild 16,907]

1 minute ago, ghs said:

It's actually a sign reference. Her Venus is on Scorpio meaning she is very sexual (People born with Venus in Scorpio will place a very high importance on sex in their lives.  They can be incredibly sexually magnetic.  They are always a little dark and mysterious and maybe a little scary.) - and that's what the song is all about. But really nice find.

I didn't know this either! 

[ghs 3,167]

Yes, that's just a theory as well so who knows. The thing is the ARTPOP era was surrounded with astrology/mythological references. Even the dates the singles were released and how mercury would be in retrograde and such.

[crisTEAne 21,058]

i already love this thread. keep them interpretations coming, little ARTPOPists.  

[Stephen 21,879]

I always figured it was just a Marina reference nice find! I'm more confused about the bat though!

[KyliesChild 16,907]

This is one of my favorite photos to come out of the ARTPOP era. It can mean anything (intentional ARTPOP song reference). 

[yxi 4,975]

Marina's impacT

I still need to hear Onion Girl

[mariomania1234 11,353]

The venus covers are SO good. I love how odd they all are.

You can tell she really had that single era very thought out. 

[crisTEAne 21,058]

4 minutes ago, Steve Nasty said:

I always figured it was just a Marina reference nice find! I'm more confused about the bat though!

the only thing i could find: http://www.mantleplumes.org/Venus_BAT.html

jazz art pop punk actress fashion magazine editor columnist and geologist