Celebrities
Naked photos from Madonna’s ‘Sex’ art book are being sold
In October, over 40 prints first published in “Sex” will go up for sale as part of a special standalone auction. Each print will be an edition of one and signed by Madonna and fashion photographer Steven Meisel, who shot the book, with prices ranging from $50,000 on the low end up to $300,000, according to Darius Himes, Christie’s deputy chairman and international head of photographs.
Some of the proceeds will go toward Raising Malawi, a nonprofit founded by Madonna in 2006 to support orphans and vulnerable children in the southeast African country.
“Thirty years on, ‘Sex’ is still somewhat controversial, but it still reads as a very body-positive, sex-positive book,” Himes said. “It was both shocking and titillating and captured so much white-hot energy coming off of Madonna in the early 1990s.”
The publication of “Sex,” which was released in tandem with the pop star’s fifth album “Erotica,” caused a worldwide commotion in the early 1990s. The book included photographs of Madonna and others in the nude and simulating sexual acts. “Sex” also featured Madonna’s then-boyfriend, rapper Vanilla Ice, and stars like supermodel Naomi Campbell and socialite Tatiana von Fürstenberg. The Vatican told its followers to boycott the book, which was banned in countries like Ireland and Japan. Still, “Sex” was an instant hit commercially and sold more than 1.5 million copies.
The photographs featured in October’s auction were selected by Madonna, Meisel and Anthony Vaccarello, the creative director of Saint Laurent, which released a limited second run of “Sex” last year in Miami to coincide with Art Basel in Miami Beach. Those 800 copies — all signed by the “Like a Virgin” singer — sold out, and a pop-up exhibition of the photographs was a popular draw.
Himes described the series of photographs as “both playful and erotic,” adding that Meisel’s images hold up well, even three decades later.
“The series captures a moment in time of one of the great fashion photographers of his generation and the queen of pop. While there’s playfulness and campiness, there’s also a classical nude study thing going on. I think they resonate across multiple generations,” Himes says.
“Sex” was released around the peak of the AIDS epidemic in the US, Himes notes, and the book featured frank depictions of homosexuality at a time when gay relationships were less accepted in the mainstream.
In an October Instagram story, Madonna said she helped pave the way for other female artists to express their sexuality, though at the time she faced backlash for including images of “men kissing men, women kissing women and me kissing everyone.”
“I spent the next few years being interviewed by narrow-minded people who tried to shame me for empowering myself as a Woman,” Madonna wrote. “I was called a whore, a witch, a heretic and the devil.”
“Sex” wasn’t Madonna’s only controversial foray into art. Last year, she teamed up with digital artist Beeple to release a line of three NFTs (non-fungible tokens) based on a 3D scan of the singer in the nude. The NFTs show Madonna giving birth to creatures like butterflies, centipedes and even a tree.
After facing backlash over what some characterized as a vulgar cash grab, Madonna defended herself by saying the project only depicts her doing “what women have been doing since the beginning of time, which is giving birth.”
“We’re always operating and living under the male gaze, and unfortunately pandering to what we think people want us to do,” Madonna said during a Twitter Spaces interview with Beeple in May 2022. “It is often a challenge to create works of art … and it isn’t always pretty.”
Before the auction in October, the photographs will be exhibited at Christie’s London from May we until June 2, then in Paris from June 27 to July 6 before heading to New York on 30 September, where they will be on display until October 6.
Madonna 2024
Madonna in 2024: Redefining Pop Icon Status at 65
Queen of Pop Reimagined: Madonna's 2024 Explores Reinvention, Social Activism, and More
Madonna, the undisputed Queen of Pop, continues to redefine what it means to be a music icon in 2024. At 65, she demonstrates no signs of slowing down, actively using her platform for self-expression, social commentary, and artistic exploration.
A Musical Legacy Unmatched
Few artists have achieved the level of global recognition and success Madonna has garnered throughout her career. With countless hit songs, groundbreaking music videos, and a record-breaking number of concert tours, her influence on popular culture is undeniable.
What's on the Horizon for Madonna in 2024?
While there haven't been official announcements of a new album, Madonna has hinted at new music in the works. Social media posts showcasing her in the recording studio have fueled fan speculation, and whispers of potential collaborations with younger artists have sparked excitement.
Beyond the Music: A Platform for Social Causes
Madonna has never been shy about using her voice to advocate for social change. In 2024, she continues to be a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, a cause close to her heart for decades. She has also used her platform to speak out against environmental issues and social injustices.
A Life Lived on Her Own Terms
Madonna's journey in 2024 underscores her commitment to living life on her own terms. She continues to push boundaries, both musically and visually, challenging societal expectations of aging women in the entertainment industry. Her social media presence is a testament to her playful spirit and her willingness to connect with fans in new and innovative ways.
The Future of the Queen of Pop
As 2024 unfolds, it will be fascinating to see how Madonna continues to redefine pop icon status. Will she release a new album that surprises and delights fans? Will she embark on another world tour, captivating audiences with her ever-evolving stage presence? One thing remains certain: Madonna will undoubtedly continue to leave her mark on the music industry and the world at large.
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