David LaChapelle
David LaChapelle
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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David LaChapelle is the full name of this renowned American photographer.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born on March 11, 1963, in Warwick, Rhode Island. David LaChapelle is still active in his career as a photographer.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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American. Photographer, artist, and director known for his surreal and often provocative images.
Early Life and Background
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Growing up in a Catholic family with six siblings, LaChapelle developed an interest in photography at an early age. His father, a commercial photographer, introduced him to the medium when he was just 10 years old. After high school, LaChapelle attended the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) but dropped out after two years to pursue his passion for art and photography.
Major Accomplishments
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LaChapelle's breakthrough came in the early 1990s with his work featured on the cover of Harper's Bazaar. He has since become one of the most celebrated photographers of our time, known for his unique blend of surrealism and pop culture references. His photographs have been exhibited globally, including at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York.
Some notable works include:
Elvis Presley (1997): A photograph of Elvis as a 1970s-era suburban housewife.
Liza Minnelli (2004): LaChapelle captured the actress as an oversized flower, poking fun at traditional notions of beauty.
Notable Works or Actions
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LaChapelle's work often pushes boundaries and challenges societal norms. Some notable examples include:
The Last Supper (1992): A parody of Leonardo da Vinci's famous painting featuring celebrities in place of the apostles.
Aurora (2000): A photograph of a woman emerging from a sea of flowers, exploring themes of identity and transformation.
Impact and Legacy
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David LaChapelle has had a significant impact on the art world. His innovative style has inspired a new generation of photographers to experiment with unconventional techniques. As an artist and director, he continues to contribute to various media platforms, including music videos for artists like Lady Gaga and Björk.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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LaChapelle's work is widely recognized and quoted due to its thought-provoking nature. His photographs often explore themes of identity, beauty, and social commentary, making him a leading figure in contemporary art.
Quotes by David LaChapelle
David LaChapelle's insights on:
As you get older, you think about things differently from when you do in your twenties, when you think you'll live forever.
You work with people who are obsessive about shopping, obsessive about owning things and buying things, like this purchase is going to make them happy. And you want to say to them, 'You know, no amount of real estate is gonna fill that void.'
My mother taught me a lot about respect for all living things - for plants and animals. I am a vegetarian. I was brought up that way.
We use fashion for status and to beautify and there's nothing wrong with that, but when it becomes completely unbalanced, then you're living a decadent life. And when that happens on a global scale, you're living in a decadent world.
I’m part of what I consider the entertainment industry. For my photos to be entertaining, they have to be provocative and new.
I went to art high school and thought I’d be a painter. Unfortunately I didn’t finish high school, but that’s always been part of my work.
Pictures are an escape. They should be bigger than life. In the same way, celebrities provide an escape from the mundane. They are photographed so we can worship them – so they are worthy of our worship.
I think we’re in a post-pornographic time and nothing seems shocking, but everything remains carnal no matter what you do.