David LaChapelle to receive lifetime achievement award at 14th Florence Biennale

To American artist David LaChapelle (Cunnecticut, 1963) the “Lorenzo il Magnifico” Lifetime Achievement Award of the 14th Florence Biennale. International Exhibition of Contemporary Art and Design, which will take place at the Fortezza da Basso in Florence from October 14 to 22, 2023.

This is the motivation: “As a tribute to one of the most talented and influential photographers of our time, and in recognition of his unique style and outstanding artistic output, based on imagination, experimentation and creativity, conveying profound social messages. Through his visionary, original and courageous perspective, he has inspired many other artists and audiences worldwide.”

On the occasion of the 14th Florence Biennale, whose theme is I Am You - Individual and Collective Identities in Contemporary Art and Design, as Guest of Honor LaChapelle will exhibit a series of works created between 2009 and 2023, including the work Gated Community premiered at the solo exhibition David LaChapelle for Giacomo Ceruti. Nomad in a Beautiful Land, currently underway at the Pinacoteca Tosio Martinengo in Brescia. In addition, during his award ceremony at the 14th Florence Biennale, scheduled for Oct. 17 and open to the public, the artist will give a speech that promises to be highly anticipated already. An undisputed pop culture icon, with his work LaChapelle has immortalized some of today’s most well-known personalities such as Elton John, Dua Lipa, Michael Jackson, Eminem, Whitney Houston, Muhammad Ali, David Bowie, Amy Winehouse, Cher, Travis Scott, Leonardo Di Caprio, Tupac Shakur, Britney Spears, and Naomi Campbell, to name a few. In his complex surreal settings, where there is no lack of provocation as well as clear references to classical art, spirituality and worldliness, eros and nature, pageantry and irony coexist.

Image: Portrait of David LaChapelle © Thomas Canet

David LaChapelle to receive lifetime achievement award at 14th Florence Biennale

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