Nothing gives the editors over at Daily Mail more titillating pleasure than pointing out Madonna's imperfections. The very second an unflattering photo is released of her, they're on it like starved vultures. If it's not her veiny hands, it's her "bingo wings", her "gristle" (yikes), her "fearsome muscles", or her "haggard face". I suppose one could safely conclude Madonna is not well-liked by this particular newspaper. As an observer and documenter of gossip, I'm always interested in how people respond to these sorts of stories. A recent photo of Madonna's muscular arms caused a flurry of response and speculation across the internet, everything from a photographic retrospective of her biceps, expert opinions of her state of health, a handy anatomy guide, to the way her Kabbalah worship has left her Challah arms. All very interesting, but my favorite response was created by artist Kipling West. She was fascinated by the photo and created a beautiful illustration of Madonna's veins becoming roots, her hand of Fatima necklace transformed into Cthulhu, all "leading to destruction and carnage on a galactic scale".
That's the most beautiful I've seen Madonna look in years. Seriously. I love Kipling West's style. This is like something out of a nightmare, but lovely all the same.
Posted by: Noelegy | September 30, 2009 at 06:32 AM
I think I am in love. Not with ropey arms. with you.
Posted by: HermesAlchemist | September 23, 2009 at 01:11 AM
I love how her pelvic chakra is causing mass destruction.
When I looked at the photo, my Parisian omelette almost landed on my computer screen.
Posted by: sweet subversion | August 18, 2009 at 07:20 PM
I am glad that the necklace was clarified; for a minute, I thought that Madonna was worshipping Octo-Mom.
Posted by: Hippo | August 16, 2009 at 12:11 PM
Welcome to awesome, sedthh ;-)
Posted by: Red | August 14, 2009 at 08:41 PM
I just found this blog and I find it awesome
subscribed to feed
Posted by: sedthh | August 13, 2009 at 09:36 AM
The photos no doubt are alarming (photoshop?)
Kipling West's inspired interpretation though brought only music to my ears by reminding of 'These Eyes' by The Guess Who.
These eyes are crying
These eyes have seen a lot of loves
But they're never gonna see another one like I had with you
These eyes cry every night for you
These arms, these arms long to hold, hold you again
Madonna's ode to Keith Haring perhaps???
Posted by: Frank | August 12, 2009 at 08:06 PM
Lol! This sh#t writes itself!
Posted by: red | August 12, 2009 at 03:00 PM
I like the flaming crotch area. Great illustration... a really interesting idea.
Madonna always said that she feels her purpose is to "make people think". That she does!
Posted by: Bionic Squirrel | August 12, 2009 at 11:16 AM
With this portrait, Kip West has rendered Madonna more alien-beautiful and physically interesting than she's ever been.
Sad and beautiful.
Posted by: Viper Tetsu | August 12, 2009 at 10:28 AM
The Daily Mail is known to digitally manipulate photos (see Photoshop Disasters for numerous examples). Who knows if that picture was even realistic?
Posted by: Charlene | August 11, 2009 at 02:13 PM
a boiled frog!!!
I love you Red!
xoxo
14
Posted by: 14 | August 11, 2009 at 01:42 PM
If she wants gross veiny arms, that's on her. I'm thinking Guy Richie probably appreciates a woman with softer curves by now after years of going to bed with a boiled frog.
Posted by: Red | August 11, 2009 at 01:38 PM