David LaChapelle / Poems and Fevers

Deodato Arte gallery is pleased to announce the exhibition "David LaChapelle: Poems and Fevers", curated by Gianni Mercurio, from November 17 to December 17 at Deodato Arte new gallery in Via Nerino 1, Milan.

American photographer, David LaChapelle (born 1963 in Hartford, Connecticut) is famous for his shots that combine Pop art and Surrealism in colorful, evocative compositions. Known for his portraits of celebrities, he addresses themes such as the relationship between the sacred and the secular, the criticism of the American dream, and the environmental issues.

"David LaChapelle: Poems and Fevers" presents a wide-ranging exhibition of the artist's most famous shots. The diversity of themes addressed by the works in the exhibition highlights LaChapelle's ability to create thought-provoking narratives that become archetypes of our time. The collection includes portraits of Britney Spears, Leonardo DiCaprio and David Hockney, as well as works inspired by myths of Christianity, religious icons and biblical scenes. LaChapelle's visit to the Sistine Chapel in 2006 was an important turning point in the artist's career, and from that moment on he decided to devote himself exclusively to art. In this evolution, the cycle of worksThe Deluge (2006) acts as a watershed: these are shots that reinterpret the biblical episode of the Universal Flood in a Pop, contemporary key.

Also worthy of note is Rebirth of Venus (2009), an interpretation of Botticelli's famous Birth of Venus set in contemporary times against the lush backdrop of the Hawaiian jungle. Among the artist's most recent works, Revelations (2019) is inspired by the biblical book of the same name. It depicts an elderly couple embracing in a deserted street lined with abandoned shop windows, as the approach of a spectacular storm seems imminent. The Holy Family with St. Francis (2019), featured prominently in the recent museum exhibition "I Believe in Miracles" at Mudec, represents LaChapelle's ability to reimagine old world ideas and aesthetics with painterly effects through photography.

"I feel a responsibility to bring light into the world and create images that can uplift and serve humanity, even while employing drama and humour. Whether secular or religious, my images are part of the same experience and evolving perspective" - David LaChapelle