David LaChapelle became famous for his fashion and celebrity photography. But his fine-art work, such as Biting the Hand has made him a pop-culture superstar. In David LaChapelle: As The World Turns, OMA will display approximately 100 pieces organized in thematically designated sections. | Courtesy Orlando Museum of Art
When David LaChapelle was still in high school he met Andy Warhol, who hired him as a photographer for Interview magazine. In the four decades since then, LaChapelle’s works have been exhibited everywhere from the Musée d’Orsay in Paris to the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C.
LaChapelle—who originally made his name in fashion and celebrity photography—is today acclaimed for his vivid, hyperrealistic and often-provocative images that reference art history, pop culture and paintings by the Old Masters. He has also directed videos for—among dozens of other pop-culture luminaries—Mariah Carey, Elton John and Whitney Houston.
So it’s not an understatement when Orlando Museum of Art Chief Curator Coralie Claeysen-Gleyzon says that curating David LaChapelle: As The World Turns has been a “dream come true.” The exhibition, which will open Friday, January 30, is a retrospective—currently the largest of its kind for LaChapelle in the United States.
“I’ve admired David LaChapelle’s work since the mid-1990s,” says Claeysen-Gleyzon. “I’m drawn to the striking imagery and unmistakable visual power of his images that first captured my attention in the pages of glossy magazines.” The most rewarding part of the project thus far, she adds, has been witnessing reactions when she tells people: “LaChapelle is coming to OMA.”
Visitors will see approximately 100 works in a series of thematic sections, which will seamlessly flow from one to the next. The themes encompass “Art Historical Influences,” “Allegories, Gods and Goddesses,” “Stardom/Celebrity,” “The Commercial World,” “Fashion,” “Nature as Goddess” and “Religion/Spirituality.”
While LaChapelle’s photographs will comprise most of the works on display, As The World Turns will also showcase such time-based media as short films and behind-the-scenes videos that will offer deeper insight into his creative process.
And, in something of a coup for OMA, the exhibition will include a never-before-seen work that was commissioned for the photographer’s forthcoming exhibition in Milan. The first look, however, will go to Central Floridians.
Says Claeysen-Gleyzon: “I believe visitors will leave inspired, not just by the beauty and energy of LaChapelle’s work, but by the museum’s commitment to bringing world-class, thought-provoking art experiences to Orlando.”
To complement As The World Turns, OMA will offer a series of programs, including a live-model drawing class and an artist lecture and book signing with LaChapelle, whose published works include LaChapelle Land (1996), Hotel LaChapelle (1999), Heaven to Hell (2006), Lost & Found and Good News (2017).
Orlando Museum of Art is located at 2416 North Mills Avenue, Orlando, in Loch Haven Cultural Park. For more information, call 407.896.4231 or visit omart.org.
