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Lady Gaga inspires Medford teen
Her
inspiration may not ring a bell with members of the older generation,
but Lisa DiVirgilio was able to channel it into an award-winning work
of art.“I Take Credit,” a sculptural dress created from photocopied dollar bills pasted over a window screen frame, earned a gold medal at the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, a national competition for teenage artists and writers. The dress also earned DiVirgilio a gold key in the statewide competition.
The project, part of a series of dresses DiVirgilio is creating in her AP Studio Art class, was inspired by pop music icon Lady Gaga, known for her daring fashion choices onstage. DiVirgilio said her dress was inspired by the singer's first album, The Fame.
"I really love her as an artist," said DiVirgilio, who was planning to
purchase Gaga concert tickets the following day. "Her performance
costumes are really interesting."
For some viewers, including Medford High art teacher Michele MacKenzie, the connection needed to be explained.
“I didn't know who Lady Gaga was until Lisa told me,” MacKenzie admitted. “But when I saw the dress I knew it was amazing in terms of design and concept.”
The national award is a first for a Medford student, although 14 students won awards on the state level this year. In addition to impeccable construction and aesthetic appeal, the dress relates to the nation's current financial struggle, MacKenzie said.
“It has context, we are dealing with this economic crisis,” MacKenzie said. “It started with Lady Gaga and then developed a life of its own.”
National award winners will see their work exhibited in New York or Washington in June, and DiVirgilio said her family will travel to the show in either location. The success of her first sculpture piece also has led DiVirgilio to consider pursuing art in college.
“This is a big accomplishment for me,” she said. “It's something I definitely enjoy.”
For some viewers, including Medford High art teacher Michele MacKenzie, the connection needed to be explained.
“I didn't know who Lady Gaga was until Lisa told me,” MacKenzie admitted. “But when I saw the dress I knew it was amazing in terms of design and concept.”
The national award is a first for a Medford student, although 14 students won awards on the state level this year. In addition to impeccable construction and aesthetic appeal, the dress relates to the nation's current financial struggle, MacKenzie said.
“It has context, we are dealing with this economic crisis,” MacKenzie said. “It started with Lady Gaga and then developed a life of its own.”
National award winners will see their work exhibited in New York or Washington in June, and DiVirgilio said her family will travel to the show in either location. The success of her first sculpture piece also has led DiVirgilio to consider pursuing art in college.
“This is a big accomplishment for me,” she said. “It's something I definitely enjoy.”
REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni
Lady Gaga performs in one of her striking outfits.
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