Celebritism
Celebritism
September 14, 2007
“ Photog Austin Young’s “Celebritism” { at World of Wonder storefront Gallery on Hollywood Blvd] show saw skinny femme-boys and buff queens in Marilyn Monroe drag prancing and posing behind the glass, which sounds festive, but was actually quite imposing. Perhaps to signify the dark side of stardom, they were covered in a black substance that made ’em look like monsters. Bewildered passersby (a mix of tourists and skimpily dressed clubgoers) gathered on the sparkly sidewalks to stare at the spectacle, and some even ventured inside to join the fabulous fête and partake in a cocktail. Entertainment, including a pink-haired, cross-dressing opera singer, amped up the already wild atmosphere, which was diverting even without the vibrantly lit nudes (one a not-quite-complete female-to-male tranny) and ornately framed headshots of local luminaries. It was avant-garde gathering meets gaudy after-dark attraction, with nary a drop of pretentious artspeak heard all night.” - Lina Licaro, LA Weekly