Three page article in Brazilian publication Follow Magazine.
Follow Magazine is a Brazilian bimonthly publication, with 20,000 readers throughout the country, focusing on fashion, behaviour and music, who had on the covers top models such as Cintia Dicker, Aline Weber and now, on the third edition, a angel from Victoria's Secret, the Brazilian top Fabiana Semprebom.
Text: Caio Carvalho
Photos: Paul Persky
Original Portuguese text
Translation
Who is she? Where and who came? Where will it go?
These are questions that you will ask yourself if you encounter this tall thin plastic artefact. One of the most influential fashion icons of Europe, inspired by the contemporary world. What might look scary from the beginning, reveals an incomparable originality to make an appearance on the streets of London, where she works frequently. This post-modern de-constructionist work is called PANDEMONA.
Following changes through out the years, PANDEMONA today is in the form of a tall, blonde. Inspired by the superficiality and fame she is both humours ironic. Often appearing at the most glamorous parties. “After all, what better way to talk of celebrity than to appear in the same publications and events as they are in?”
Many comparisons were made between PANDEMONA, the philosopher Jean Baudrillard and the artist Andy Warhol. All are indicative of a consumerist society, as well as icons of modern art and pop genre. This apparently frivolous image ,PANDEMONA, is infact a multifaceted and performative piece. Her life style is often documented by the paparazzi in fashion magazines and blogs, and usually placed on the same page that large and influential fashion personalities are.
Caio Carvalho chats to Pandemonia
Pandemonia: a man or a woman?
A woman of cause Duh!
Why the plasticized form on your style and way?
Our modern culture aspires to gloss. The streets are covered in glossy cars and plastic wrap envelops almost all packaging. My rubberised glossy form says I am, shiny, fresh & new, completely sanitized. It turns me into a perfect object.
What a woman represents on that way?
We are all sold the idea of perfection. Enough is never enough. If advertising and media are to be believed the ideal woman is a size zero, six foot, leggy blond.
Not unlike motorcar advertising women are being represented as a glossy hyper real beings with streamlined curves. In a quest for perfection we must have glossy Lips, hair, eyes, shoes, bodes etc. Going totally glossy is simply the next logical step in perfection.
What are the main elements that compose you?
Pandemonia is made from a collection of signs. She is the deconstucted representation of the advertised female form.
My inflatable yellow hair for instance points to an idea of the archetypal blond. My legs, bags, dresses are political expressions. They are symbols of lifestyle and aspiration. My appearance denotes to a manufactured ideal.
How soon do you dress? (Where do you go dressed)
As a Fine Artist I present my self as a celebrity. In today's world or at least in the UK Celebrity is the currency. I see my self as a story a work in progress. News items need a narrative. In today's mass media its not enough to have a strong image you need the narrative to go with it. I go to the “invite only” events. The best way to reach people is to be the story.
Is it hard to live like a latex cartoon creation?
Yes! Its like trying to live up to the impossible. With all messages been thrown at us constantly through the media, telling us what to buy and selling us lifestyles, I think we are all trying to live up to the impossible. Keeping up my image is a big responsibility.
What did you visit when you came to Brazil?
I exhibited some of my art in Sao Paulo, Curitiba and Porto Alegre. Spent almost every thing I had exploring your massive country. The People, music, Nature, Architecture and Cities - this was what she liked. I'd love to return one day
Are you afraid of aging? Will retire someday?
Pandemonia never gets old. She will never have lines or wrinkles. Image means everything. An artist never retires, my work will continue to evolve.
What can not miss in your purse?
Gas. (It has to keep inflated)
What is the biggest difficulty in your life?
Going through small doors.
What do you think people talk about you?
I have had several compliments on my facebook page.
What do you wearing right now, in this moment?
Im wearing one of my wonderful balloon dresses with Snowie, my dog, sitting beside me.
What are your favorite brands?
Rubber bands.
A book.
Im currently reading “America” by Jean Baudrillard.
A movie.
I just saw Banksys film “Exit through the gift shop”
A personality.
“Paris Hilton?” Just a flick of her hair creates a tornado on the other side of the world. (Joke aside) The scientist Edward Lorenz described this phenomena as the Butterfly effect.
A feeling.
Taking my shoes of after a long night out.
A mania.
Red carpets and Paparazzi.
A desire.
To sleep
I feel fat
I just don't get fat.
If I have a superpower...
Teleportation. It would make my travelling arrangements so much easier.
Chocolate.
Much prefer gummibears
Sex.
Yes please.
Lady GaGa.
Her crew asked me If I would design something for her. I said I'd get back and didn't. Oops
Be Yourself.
Always. Although its fun being someone else.
Dogs.
Love them. Especially the inflatable variety.
Follow Who?" (three people).
The white rabbit. “Alice in wonderland”
The yellow brick road
Penelope Pitstop
You can see more of Follow visiting:
Twitter: @revista_follow
Website:www.revistafollow.com.br
Facebook:http://on.fb.me/9geeCW
