Book Description
Another groundbreaking study from an acknowledged expert on the art/mass media interaction. Celebrities, some of who -- like Madonna and Stallone -- are art collectors; now dominate global culture and some -- like Dennis Hopper and David Bowie -- are spare-time artists. Walker explains how artists such as Warhol, Gavin Turk, Jeff Koons and Elizabeth Peyton contribute to, but also critique, the cult of celebrity by depicting film and rock stars, and Princess Diana, in paintings and statues. Celebritization has overtaken the art world too: Walker surveys fourteen art stars of the twentieth century from Dali to Tracey Emin. He also reviews alternatives: the left wing pantheon of figures such as Mao, Che Guevara and Rosa Luxemburg, and pictorial celebrations of the people. Finally, Walker considers the pros and cons of celebrity hood for artists and its effects on current art, and discusses the return of the hero in the wake of 11 September 2001.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Another groundbreaking study from an acknowledged expert on the art/mass media interaction. Global culture is now dominated by celebrities, some of whom - like Madonna and Stallone - are art collectors; and some - like Dennis Hopper and David Bowie - are spare-time artists. Walker explains how artists such as Warhol, Gavin Turk, Jeff Koons and Elizabeth Peyton contribute to, but also critique, the cult of celebrity by depicting film and rock stars, and Princess Diana, in paintings and statues. Celebritization has overtaken the art world too: Walker surveys fourteen art stars of the twentieth century from Dali to Tracey Emin. He also reviews alternatives: the left wing pantheon of figures such as Mao, Che Guevara and Rosa Luxemburg, and pictorial celebrations of the people. Finally, Walker considers the pros and cons of celebrityhood for artists and its effects on current art, and discusses the return of the hero in the wake of 11 September 2001.

SYNOPSIS