"I Love Art" - Masculine,Feminine & Nir Arieli

You know I love me some good art. And this time I can combine my love for art with my activism in the area of gender and gender performance. My focus this time: The gender bending and blurring photography of Nir Arilei.

Nir Arieli started his photography career as a military photographer. He got a scholarship at the New York School of Visual Art and graduated with honors. His website bio says that he is focusing on photography of dance and is into beauty and art. His photographs are wonderfully natural and one series in particular has captured my direct attention through a German news website. The series is called "MEN". I got my two favorite pictures from this series for you below. (And of course the copyright belongs to Nir! ;))

I love this one since it is absolutely the combination of a Lana Del Rey vibe photograph. And Lana is all about the glam side of the 50's and super stereotypical  femininity and bad girl mix. The fact that Nir choose a handsome lack man and added him into the scene of a feminine floral surrounding destroys the stereotype of men ad black men in stereotypical (I mean what is more stereotypical than black man as bro's?). I just love it, and besides: It is a wonderful picture.

And this one? I like that it is sat in this clear environment and as well feminine surrounding of the flower print. And in all this we have a nude man lying down, but with a stereotypical symbol of masculinity: a beard. And since the overall is very white it highlights the vulnerability of men and the constructiveness of masculinity.

On the website I found his photographs said that the series is about men in stereotypical poses is only getting attention because it is shocking to see men in such feminine poses that display the stereotype of women as vulnerable. Okay. I was a bit in shock about this description. I don't find these shocking. I find these to be deconstructive and beautiful. But not shocking. We really need some more gender deconstruction by pictures such as Nir's. Anyways. his photographs are beautiful, amazing, academically usable and they are true art. So go and check out his website nirarielie.com.

"Music Minute" - The Goddess of Pop is back! - "Closer To the Truth" Review

CALM DOWN GURRL! And it is so hard to stay cal when the great show-business surviver, goddess of pop, goddess of the gays and original diva Cher is returning to the biz with her new album "Close To The Truth"!

Originally "Closer To The Truth" will be released on October 4th in Germany, but Cher has tweeted a link to an amazon page where you can stream all of the songs of the standard version of the album. and it has been such an eargasm to listen. Let me tell you: this woman not only is gorgeous, kind, loving and caring but as well talented as fuck. I mean she is CHER! Lets start with the amazing album cover. Okay, we all know Cher has had some things done but who gives a fuck I mean we have other fish to fry than an individuals decisions about their ow body! She looks absolutely stunning. It seems like she can turn back time, no joke intended, because with her 67 years she looks great, sexy and eve dresses her age! Madonna could learn from her that looking good and sexy is still possible if you dress our age. And I don't want to discriminate because of age! And just look at it. She looks stunning and the idea of being closer to truth for me is represented within the cover. She looks like an antique goddess, and who but the gods know the truths of life. And I will be so frank to say that she definitely knows some truths of life, such as: love, fear and all about showbiz! But lets get to the songs, and give them a song by song analysis as such album deserves it!

#01 - Woman's World

This song just is the classical pro-women, feminism and female independence anthem and pop song. I love it. It is just a great opener. If you want a detailed analysis just look here and find out what I think in detail about this great song! I will give it a straight 9/10 points!

#02 - Take It Like A Man

And here comes what makes Cher so special. Her amazing voice mixed with a little autotune. And it sounds so good! The song is all about to stand your point/man if you want a woman's heart, to really work it out about everything. The tune is funky, fresh and fun. For me it is the furthering of Believe, well at least sound wise. This song gets a 9/10 as well on my scale!

#03 - My Love

This one gets me really in some serious mixture of 80's and 00's mood. It is just a great song for Cher's voice with big lyrics that really build up this raise your arms feeling. But I wish the song could have a little more of the bang factor. But really this is the only criticism I have. It is such a great song for everything from driving in your car, to sing along to lying in bed and listening it while cuddling. And that makes the song an 8 on the scale.

#04 - Dressed To Kill

In the beginning the song reminds me a bit of "Bang Bang", but then turns around and aligns with the other songs and males them a four-pack since they all have this modern disco thing to it. You might say that it makes it boring, but I would say that I really enjoy it, since I am not a child of the disco era. Oh, and the song is about dressing to get what you want, not only sexually, but also expressing desire of all kinds trough clothing! Another strong 8/10!

#05 - Red

Probably my album favorite!  I mean the sound of it has this modern dance pop to it, the lyrics are off the hook making all these great references to the color red: "All I see is red now // Red in my heart // Read like my blood // Read like my lips" . Love it. I mean I love red, so it is natural that I love the song! It is awesome, and gets the first 10/10 in this review!

#06 - Lovers Forever

Okay first thing I am not so madly in love with is the beginning of this song. I mean it is goo, but it could be better. I don't know what it is but... Lyric wise the song is well really great, but I am not so sure about the acoustics and the instrumentals. Well still better than many other songs, but i have to give this one a 6 1/2 out of 10. Maybe just not my tune!

#07 - I Walk Alone

Very gypsy in the beginning, but then adds that beat that makes it modern. Unfortunately I am not that much into this folklore pop stuff. But around the hook she really turns it around, and gets me to stay with the song. And the lyrics are so great! Basically it is all about the self-determination and individuality of women Cher represents. So this one gets a 7/10.

#08 - Sirens

Okay Sirens is a song that is more quiet and slow, and normally I am not a fan of such songs, but this one is another exception. Love it! Cher can really pull of such a ballad. And the line: "From the song of sirens, love can survive" has had me! How great is it that a pop star uses the analogy of the greek sirens in the right context? I imagine this video while walking in the dark in a street with lots of lanterns. The first ballad to get a 9/10 from me (Besides Fergies "Finally").

#09 - Favorite Scars

The beginning reminds me a  bit of the beginning of Natasha Bedingfields "Little Too Much". But it is definitely not a rip off. I mean its way slower. The topic of risking things in life and love, to throw one self back in the game for the better and not hide oneself is a typical Cher thing, and the song is just a great tune to sing along. And that makes an 8 out of 10 in my counter!

#10 - I HopeYou Find It

Okay that one could be a Robbie Williams tune! Seriously, you can imagine him singing this! And that doe snot discredit the song but rather raises the awesome nature of it. It is another ballad like song that expresses the wish for someone to be happy in their life. Maybe a former lover? We don't know, but this could also be a song from Cher to Chaz. I would like it to be that. Full of feeling and a straight 8/10

#11 - Lie To Me

Not so crazy about the "Wuhu" beginning, and yet it is another slow song, but that actually is okay. I mean the album is two parted. Party and ballads. The line to love from this one is "The truth is overrated!" I think it is a good song, but I would not have put it on the last spot of the CD, but lets wait for the three bonus songs on the Deluxe Edition. 7/10.

The total score of "Closer To The Truth" is (Half pints will be added off to full ones).... 90 out of 110. And that score is pretty awesome! The average song rating is around 8,2 which supports the notion that the album has not got one disappointing song. Maybe one that is not your favorite but no song that falls out of line. I would not say that "Closer To The Truth" will be defining this years second half in music, but it definitely has huge potential to become one of the most important this year! I am so excited for October 4th to come to finally claim this lil baby mine! 

"Iconic Photographs" - She kissed a girl way before Katy sung about it!

Photos and photography are a part of how we keep memories and important moments in our life. With pictures we keep things from our past and preserve what we love. History in progress often is documented with photographs, some of these photographs have gone around the world and reached an iconic status of themselves. And some photos capture more then what meets the eye. 

Last time a picture of Nirvana and RuPaul has been featured, as this time I will give you my thoughts on one of these magical pop culture moments that 00 kids will never forget, because we have seen them! When Britney and Christina Aguliera were on the peak of their careers and Madonna was the highest point of the pop triangle, you know these were the days without Nicki Minaj, Katy Perry and Lady Gaga, the VMA's were a platform for scandal! And hell was it scandalous when Madonna kissed Britney and Christina during her performance of "Like A Virgin". Man, that was a shocker But seriously. From todays position that was not that much of a shocker. It as controversial ten years ago since it was lesbianism and genderbending in one, but today it is a cold poof in the dust. But a rememberable one! FYI: What is funny is that the media really focuses on the kiss between Madonna and Britney, not so much between Madonna and Christina.

100 Gay Icons, And Why The Gays Love Them - Part 2

Hey there! Yes! The second part of "100 Gay Icons, And Why The Gays Love Them" is here! This time the ranks from 90 till 81 will be revealed for you to enjoy!

If you haven't read everything about the first 10 on the list just check it out here! Last time we had entered the ranks with Nicki Minaj at #100 and ended the post with number #091 Iggy Azalea. This time we include the following:

#090 - Azealia Banks

You know who she is. I mean ereryone who does not know "212" has surely slept trough 2012. Azealia herself is bisexual and does not hesitate to speak it out. She is outspoeken about all kinds of sexuality and known for her new hip hop called "witch-hop". Often her rants on Twitter get in her way, but the gays love her!

#089 - Heath Ledger

Many say that "Brokeback Mountain" has been one of the best movies displaying LGBT characters and Heath Ledger, as a staright, has done the gays an honor with the movie. Sadly Ledger passed away but we love him for his support of equality, a great man!

#088 - Doris Day

When in the 50's she sung about her "Secret Love" many suspected her to be a lesbian. We don' care, we don't judge! And we have to say that we love her for beeing fabulous and a true diva!

#087 - Willam Belli

Oh, I love her/ him! Probably one of my favorite Drag Queens. Willam is one of these bitches the gays love cause she tells it like it is and look great! And her mouth is as sharp as a knife! As well she is an outspoken activit and a video hoe!

#086 - Edith Piaf

"Je ne rerette rien!" - Oh Edith we love you! The French singer has been a ga icon sine teh beginning and I would say ist mostly due to her music. And lets be honest: Many things from France can end up being related to the LGBT community. ;)

#085 - Diana Ross

Diana Ross. The Surpremes. Done. I mean it's history. Look it up!

#084 - Raquel Welch

Former sex symbol and talented actress. There are even wig collections named after her. And raquel, I mean that is such a gay name in itself.

#083 - Jake Shears

The Sicissor Siters have made their debut in the music world as this campy group, thats what I loved about them and they haven't lost their appeal. (Gay) Lead singer Jake Shears is not only a hottie but also is a great example for a well grounded gay man tht has made it! And that is why he is on this list.

#082 - Ana Matronic

Right after Jake we have Ana who has beena supporter of the LGBT comminuty forever and has told us the story of her father, who later in life found out to be gay. And in interviews Ana stated that this was the reason why she wanted to find out everything about gays and the community.

#081 - Joan Crawford

Oh "Mommy Dearest". If there is a bad bitch diva, it must be Joan Crawford. That is what we remember her for, and love her for. 

"Music Minute" - Our "Work Bitch" Britney is back ... bigger than ever!

Things have become quiet around pop princess and pop diva Britney Spears. But since the release of her new single Work Bitch" a few day ago Britney has kicked into over gear, and has made some huge announcements.

Well, lets start with her latest single "work Bitch" from her upcoming eighth studio album. The song is an EDM dance track that has been leaked one day before its release. - Stop the leaks! I mean "Roar", "Applause" and now "Work Bitch"? is there any pop song that has ben released on its original day and not leaked days or weeks earlier? - "Work Bitch" has one big, very big, critique point: It is rather speaking than singing and sounds a bit boring over wide distance. As well it seems a bit generic and overused to take turns on that "You better work!", because, bitch, that is RuPauls gig! Okay Gurrl!? But lets not pre judge and have a look at the lyrics and see what Brit wants people to work for, or rather says that they have to work for  them. These would be: a hot body, a Bugatti, a Maseratti, a Lamborgini, looking hot in a bikini, living fancy, living in a big mansion and partying in France. Isn't that what Britney does, or better what she represents? Fancy, glam and out of this world decadence? and bitch is right, you have to work for that shit! And that is what she does! She is probably working her ass of for a great body for her life as a pop star, singing everywhere and recording new music. But lets face it. the song lyrically seen is not Shakespeare and not even anywhere near great deep songs. It party, that is what it is. Overall: The song is a good EDM song. Nothing more but nothing less. And with that said I am sure that the album will not outdo "Blackout", which I consider the best Brit album up today. #SorryBoutIt So the song gets a good 7 on a scale of 1 to 10. 

Lets get to more news concerning Brit! She has announced that she will be having her own show at Vegas for the next two years (2014 - 2015) called "Pieces of Me". The deal she signed will get her 30 Million $ in whole for doing 50 shows at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. The diva has announced that it will be a mixture of her greatest hits and will include glimpses of her coming album. ticket prices range from around 50$ to 200$. The hotel has announced the show with "The Residency begins" and Brit should be very honored to be doing such shows since she is now up there with Cher, Bette Midler,  Celine Dion and Elton John who also did such Vegas residencies. The announcement was completed by Britney arriving in a helicopter in a gorgeous black body suit that was cut down up to her belly button and was very revealing. 

BUT: We all know that the shows will be lipsyncing at its finest and only bits of live singing. But it for sure will be an epic show. And if i would be there: I so would go and see it, because Britney is one of these Divas that really embody Americas entertainment industry: fake, beautiful, overly perfect, staged and marvelous. For me Brit is the most constructed pop singer ever, but also one to watch!

"Music Minute" - "Dark Horse" Review

Hey there! Katy Perry has been a topic on Icon Art Marilyn some time ago, when I bitched and moaned about her single and accompanying video "Roar". Now, after fans were allowed to decide via voting, Katy has released another song from "PRISM" called "Dark Horse".

Okay, right from the beginning: It is better than "Roar", way better! BUT: The beginning sounds like some fucked up Chipmunk remix of stuff. I can't stand it, so I will always skip it. Also the fact that it is a collaboration with Juicy J. Maaah, not my business. Anyways. I like the lyrics. They seem more advanced, grown, intelligent and are up to date (See, I really don't like Roar, and will rant about it as often as possible!), even thought the way they are sung and set in place remind me of her single "E.T.". Topic wise the song is about, what a surprise, love. And, even though I am sick and tired of Katy singing about love and relationships (Cause se does that A LOT!), the metaphors she uses and the references she draws are good, and I like them. Take e.g. "Make me your Aphrodite / Make me your one and only / But don't make me your enemy". Its great that she makes an Aphrodite reference, that really lays emphasis on love, and the feeling I get out of this is way better than what I got from "I got the eye of the tiger". The tune of the song is very interesting since it has this electronic and digital vibe to it but still has that Katy bubble gum mood. And let's be honest: This song sounds as if it probably was made for twerking. I'll give Miley Cyrus two weeks until we see her twerking to that song. 

Summed up, we can say that the song sounds fresh, and not boring as "Roar". There is this R'n'B electronic vibe to it, that is new for Katy, but still the "cutsy-bubblegum" thing that is typical for Perry remains. aAd here comes another BUT: I don't now how this will play on the radio since it is a bit, how shall I say this, .. hard to listen to all the time. I mean I like it better then "Roar" but still "Dark Horse" would get "only" a 7 out of 10. (And keeping in mind that "Roar" has been a 5/10 only with good will!)

P.S.: I still find the "PRISM" album cover looks like some 15 year old hipster chick had played with her Instagram.

100 Gay Icons, And Why the Gays Love Them - Part 1

Hey there! After a hiatus on the site due to my move to the UK I am back and full of ideas and energy to give you all the pop culture stuff that you love and adore! And to hit your pop culture puss right where it needs pounding I give you a ten parts long segment. 

So here is part one of the new segment: "100 Gay Icons, And Why the Gays Love Them". This time I'm gonna give you numbers 100 till 91 with explanations of why the gays like them. But let me say: To make this list was not that easy. First there are tons of Gay Icons out there. Second: This is only my selection, and I am sure there are many other Icons worth mentioning. And when part one will be on the blog I will also give you a list of Icons that I considered being on the list, but did not put on. Concerning the ranking Jeez! That was hard. I'm still not sure about some positions but overall I'm happy with my choices! If you tend to disagree tweet me @s4mlkueh, facebook me here or just comment below! Lets get to it, shall we?

#100 - Nicki Minaj

Minaj is a hip hop Barbie, that has made "Think pink!" go street cred. Her looks and her music has gotten her on that list. But I put her right in the back of it since she still is much more about hip hop than about gay rights. But still we have to menation her. Who knows what is to come? (Hopefully not another nip-slip on GMA! That was not fabulous!) 

#099 - Josh Hutcherson

The Hunger Games star has recently been awarrded with the Vanguard Award from  GLAAD and is openly speaking out for equality and gay marriage. Besides that. He is such a cutie. All the gays want him! Maybe our next Anderson Cooper!

#098 - Michelle Obama

Her husband is the first sitting president to support gay marriage. And that she is promotig healthy eating and equal opportunities for everyone seals the deal. (Besides her fab fashion choices!) That is a First Lady the gays like!

#097 - David Beckham

Okay not really outspoken in the way many others are, but sometimes the gays dont give a shit. They just want him to be gay because of his looks. And guess what: that is fine with me!

#096 - Barack Obama

Look at him! Like I said: " the first sitting president to support gay marriage". If thats not progress to be mentioned here, what is?

#095 - Pamela Anderson

Her snatch and boobs might not be what a gay man calls yummy, but for sure the Baywatch beauty and PETA supporter also jiggles her two, well, "friends" for equality!

#094 - Greta Garbo

The gay community has this tendency of choosing dead movie stars from Hollywoods glam era to be icos in their universe. And "The Garbo" sure has secured her spae with her amazing presence on screen!

#093 - Carol Brunette

I'm still too young to know about her in deatil (And I am quite happy that this is the fact!) but this fierce funny woman sure is a gay icon. I mean Pandora Boxx imitated her at the Snatch Game for a reason!

#092 - Jean Harlow

Marilyns blonde bombshell idol that was the first: "Live glam, work hard, die young and become a myth!" laday of showbiz. And the gay love her for that! (The gays would love anyone that gave the Marilyn!)

#091 - Iggy Azalea

She might be an Australian black woman trapped in the body of a Swedish milk bun that raps as if her tongue was ripped out of a pro's mouth, but she sure mentions gays here and there. But: In a positive way. A young FemC with potential to make hip-hop less homophobic.