Barbie from the Hood

Diovadiova Barbie Mariposa Oil & Mixed Media 24 x 36

This painting explores the commercialization of multiculturalism. Shortly after finishing the Last Butterfly and Black Barbie, I came across a Barbie Mariposa commercial. Despite the serendipitous moment, I was stunned that the manufacturing company Mattel would use the Spanish word for butterfly as a marketing line, yet not use a more Latina looking representative. Diovadiova Barbie Mariposa is my realistic version with a lot more attitude.

MyFace Exhibition

MyFace

An Exhibition of Paintings by Kip Omolade

MyFace examines the role of art in today’s Facebook/MySpace culture, identity ownership and the relationship between art and celebrity.

If you are in the Boston area, please join us for an evening of art, music and fun.

A portion of the proceeds to benefit Autism Speaks.

Thursday, February 11th 7pm

379 Club
379 Cambridge Street

Allston, MA 02134

www.379club.com
www.kipomolade.com

The Diovadiova Project Overview

The Diovadiova Project explores the relationship between art and celebrity using a combination of traditional realism, Pop culture iconography and graffiti art. It uses the art system (gallery/museum exhibitions, buying/selling artwork, critique, etc) as a star-making machine to determine if art is influential in an era of entertainment and celebrity.

I used the following questions posed from Art and Celebrity by John A. Walker as a guide:

1) Can art survive in an era of entertainment and celebrity?

2) Can art preserve a distinct identity or will it be condemned to a minor role in celebrity culture?

3) Is high quality in art incompatible with celebrity?

4) Can art perform a critical function in respect of modern idolatry?