The Art of Pop: Behind Lady Gagas v85 Covers In Her Own Words

[Alien Tulip 12,428]

Thanks to propagaga for posting this.

 

THE NEW ARTIST

 

 

This is the me I was most afraid to ever be again. The me I’d left behind. Through the work, each time over and over with Inez and Vinoodh, there is a challenge I am facing with myself. The person they want to see is dead, I think. I have an ability to endure physical and mental pain for long durations, months or years of time. But I’ve learned that eventually the brunt of that anguish finds its point of impact, and although I was able to withstand a challenge for that period of time in my youth, the results were destructive. I was left a shell. Why would I ever want to feel that again? And then a bigger question: Does anyone really know what I went through to get here?

Then somehow, with Inez’s seductive artistic way and Vinoodh’s calm sense of confidence, in the process I am inspired to allow the emotions to pass through me as they photograph me. And then I hear “Beautiful, Gaga! Yes! Yes! Look at that girl!†And I’m reminded that my sense of self within the world I create provides an element of honesty and gravity to the work. And it’s okay that I’m broken. I can be broken in the Cubist or Surrealist sense. Like a Picasso nose, or a Dalí clockâ€â€ahead of its time, not pathetic or shameful. Plus I’m wearing a custom Saint Laurent sequined jacket from Hedi Slimane. Impossible to be sad!

 

PHASE ONE

 

 

I see this girl as the first incarnation of me. Of Gaga. The Bowie superfan, playing with glitter and reflective materials, like doing a jigsaw puzzle. How can I paint with this palette in a way they’ve never seen? How can I remain loyal to my glam roots and soar with an artistry that is still forming? I have always felt comforted in my ability to learn as a performer. When I care to no longer learn or research, I am then an occupant of my own ego. Bowie is a scholar, and it is this part of him that I’ve kept with me. If I allow myself to really delve into and a--lyze the thing I’m making, I feel a sense of control. A sense of belonging. I belong because I must create. I must transform. And I must believe that my ability to evolve is infinite.

 

DONATELLA

 

 

There are very few people I’ve met since my debut that have truly become friends. Donatella Versace and her daughter, Allegra, occupy a space in my heart so wide, with their ability to love and give. Donatella was there for me in difficult times, and for that I will never forget her. She took the girl sobbing with tissues into Gianni’s apartment. Tears falling on the floor, champagne pouring, she escorted me to his room, where she left me to play with his books and sketches. I studied the notes and drank and smoked until I could barely see. Running around the house with her and Allegra as she said, “Never cry, Gaga! You are a star, a REAL star!†And this cover commences the newest transformation in my long love affair with Versace. Donatella opening the Gianni archives for me during the campaign for my album Born This Way was just the beginning of a dream that seems to never end. And today it’s c-thru plastic, with my custom shoulder, Medusa pins, and a wrong blonde. Donatella approved.

 

THIS IS ARTPOP

 

 

In this custom Balenciaga, I felt full passion, and fearless, like my hair and body were on fire. I am preparing for my workshop with Marina. I am so excited. She will starve me in the woods for days, with no clocks, no speaking. Cleansing me before my first performance on stage and beginning my training for a performance piece in Paris we are doing with Robert Wilson. I told her I wanted to reveal my total creative self to her. With complete trust, openness, and freedom to be an artist, instead of “making†or “designing†for the public to love. What I am is enough. My talent is enough. But the wigs and the makeup, I need them, I tell herâ€â€and she understands that. Marina understands my art, and in my understanding of her art we have made an exchange. When an exchange occurs between two auras, there is a formation of trust and an impulse of loveâ€â€perhaps…we could belong together. ARTPOP!

But this is not my “look†or “reinvention†for this album. I will be all of these women forever. I am a shape-shifter, a pop-cultural magician. I am not just one ICON. I am every icon.

 

[PoshLife 16,839]

SO. IN. LOVE.

 

The last segment is just beautiful. Marina's understanding that she needs her makeup and wigs but pushing her to let her art and her talent be enough.

 

This was such a pleasure to read. Thank you for posting, AT!

[Alien Tulip 12,428]

She has a way with words She's evolved so much and I love it. 

[KING5KAT 223]

Brilliant

[Hot Space 14]

And people on tumblr thought the second one was Madonna. I knew it was Bowie all along. 

[Obman 719]

Mind control? Electro shocks? Beta programming?

 

Having to sacrifice virgins to Lucifer. 

[Weasel 12,525]

She will starve me in the woods for days, with no clocks, no speaking. Cleansing me before my first performance on stage. 

That can't be good for you? 

[Prism 0]

I'm speechless....

This is beautiful!

[calmar 21,351]

A good read! Her way of flowing between topics is very skillful. 

[Prism 0]

Mind control? Electro shocks? Beta programming?

Lol what?

[Pierre 10,480]

But this is not my “look†or “reinvention†for this album. I will be all of these women forever. I am a shape-shifter, a pop-cultural magician. I am not just one ICON. I am every icon.

 

I LOVE HER.

[Viola 386]

Amazing   

[Alien Tulip 12,428]

It's like she did a rebirth and cleansed her system and soul out for her first debut performance of the ARTPOP era. I really respect that about her because she sees life in a different angle than other people which is why I love her so much. 

[aquaprincess 23]

im in awe with this woman all over again   :worship2: 

[Raikou 1,169]

She's such a beguiling queen.

 

<3