I love the work of American artist Kate Kretz, in particular her "Blessed Art Thou" piece in which Angelina Jolie was shown as the Virgin Mary.
Not surprisingly, this image kicked off a whole media storm which I really enjoyed reading about.
There is a dark feel to all of Kate’s art work which I find incredibly appealing, leading me to be drawn to her works yet wanting to back off in fear at the same time.
Celebrities as Holy Figures
Angelina Jolie As Virgin Mary by Kate Kretz
Trend Themes
1. Celebrity Worship - The increasing reverence of celebrities can signal an opportunity for psychological or sociological research on people's fascination with those in the public eye.
2. Religious Satire - Works of art that express religious themes using secular images can lead to bold new directions in social commentary and street art.
3. Transgressive Art - Works that explore taboo or controversial subjects, like religious figures represented through celebrities, can offer a provocative critique on society's values.
Industry Implications
1. Art and Design - Contemporary artists examining the intersection between art, religion, and pop culture can attract new audiences and stimulate discussion about societal norms and beliefs.
2. Mass Media - As celebrity worship becomes more prevalent, media companies can explore new forms of content that cater to this trend and generate engagement and revenue.
3. Social Science - Using celebrities as symbols of religious figures can provide social scientists with unique insights into the psychological and emotional drivers of people's beliefs and practices.