#diva exhibit

[bitter69uk]

Who’s up for some “diva worship”? My quick review of the Diva exhibit at The Victoria & Albert Museum (my boyfriend Pal, our friend Fenella and I went on Sunday 27 August). The first floor (featuring early divas of opera, stage, silent cinema and golden age Hollywood) is a treasure trove. Things fall apart somewhat on the second floor, which brings us to the present day and the concept of “diva” seems to stretch to any random modern female pop star with a vaguely “empowering” message (or at least the ones who’ve loaned outfits for the exhibit. Let’s be grateful at least that Taylor Swift and Dua Lipa weren’t included. I wonder if the V&A regrets the emphasis on Lizzo given her current blizzard of bad publicity and legal woes). We could all bicker about our personal favourites not being featured, but it feels like glaring omissions that Marlene Dietrich and Madonna are barely represented (surely the Cinema Museum in Berlin could have loaned a Dietrich costume from their permanent collection?). And Eartha Kitt is represented by just an album cover! If they’re going to declare Elton John, Freddie Mercury, Prince and Lil Nas x honorary “male divas”, then why not include Divine, who was a diva of both cult cinema and hi-NRG disco?

Conclusion: The Diva exhibit is enjoyable but ultimately superficial and best approached as “eye candy”. It’s on until 7 April 2024.

Pictured: the “flame dress” Bob Mackie - maestro of the strategically placed sequin! - designed for soul queen Tina Turner to wear onstage in 1977. Want to see more? Here's my lavishly-illustrated scene report!

#diva exhibit #diva #divas #v&a museum #victoria and albert museum #bob mackie #tina turner #kitsch #gay icons #kween #fierce #sequins #lobotomy room #london

[ollywears]

Olly Alexander wearing a Danshan multi-layered tulle top & mesh flared trousers at the V&A's Diva Summer Exhibition 2023 (June 21, 2023).

#Olly Alexander #Years and Years #Years & Years #style #It's a Sin #Night Call #Sweet Talker #Sooner or Later #Starstruck #Crave #Hallucination #100% Pure Love #danshan #top #trousers #pants #red carpet #event #V&A #Diva Summer Exhibition #Diva Exhibition #summer party #exhibition #Net-a-Porter #outfit #V&A Summer Party #museum #Victoria & Albert Museum #Victoria & Albert

[aquitainequeen]

Spotted this fascinating bit of history at the DIVA exhibit at the Victoria and Albert Museum; the Music Hall War!!!

#Marie lloyd #Music hall war #DIVA #victoria and albert museum #Try to catch this exhibit if you're in london #It's on until april 2024!

[kylewalker-peters]

Divas very much down

#also this is my recommendation to go to the diva exhibit at the V&A it’s sooooooooooooo fun

[deadlydelicious]

Red White and Royal Blue really blew its entire production budget to secure a Nighttime shoot at the V&A

#like people are wondering why the green screen is so crap elsewhere? #its because of that scene #like they ACTUALLY shot i the fucking V&A #iconic #i miss it #i should go down next month and hit up the DIVA exhibition

[tigerfush]

Diva exhibition at the V & A , London. great costumes, interesting information on the early divas of music hall and operas and theatre. Not the best exhibition as lack of costumes and not in-depth enough.. but fun nonetheless.

#diva #v&a museum #diva exhibition

[yoonavii]

Impressing his crush

Context: Gojo Satoru trying to impress his diva and high-maintenance girl crush

Gojo, being the confident and charismatic guy that he is, would go to great lengths to impress his crush. He’d meticulously plan extravagant dates and outings, ensuring that everything is flawlessly executed.

Aware of his crush’s high standards, Gojo would spare no expense in his attempts to win her over. He might take her to exclusive restaurants, arranging private dining experiences with personalized menus and attentive service.

Gojo would put extra effort into his appearance. He’d meticulously choose stylish outfits and pay attention to every detail, from his hair to his accessories. He’d always aim to match his crush’s level of elegance and style.

Knowing that his crush has a penchant for extravagant gifts, Gojo would surprise her with lavish presents. Whether it’s a rare piece of jewelry, a limited-edition fashion item, or tickets to a sold-out event, he would make sure to find something that perfectly aligns with her tastes.

To impress his crush, Gojo would showcase his impressive jujutsu skills. He might organize private demonstrations, where he displays his immense power and control over cursed techniques. This would not only demonstrate his abilities but also emphasize his dedication to protecting her.

He would willingly participate in activities or hobbies that his crush enjoys, even if they’re not his usual interests. He’d immerse himself in her world, attending glamorous events, art exhibitions, or fashion shows, always by her side.

Despite being a natural prankster, Gojo would temporarily suppress his mischievous side when around his crush. He’d strive to present a more refined and composed image, believing it’s necessary to match her high-maintenance nature.

Gojo would shower his crush with constant attention and compliments. He’d be a perfect gentleman, ensuring she feels valued and adored. His flattery would be genuine, as he genuinely appreciates her unique qualities.

He would seek to understand his crush on a deeper level. He’d take the time to engage in meaningful conversations, actively listening to her thoughts and desires. This would allow him to tailor his efforts to meet her specific expectations.

Ultimately, Gojo’s goal would be to make his crush feel like the center of his universe. He’d prioritize her happiness, supporting her ambitions and dreams while being the unwavering pillar of support she needs.

©𝐘𝐀𝐘𝐎𝐎𝐍𝐀— Any sign/evidence of plagiarism made from outside this name will be dealt with by whatever means necessary. Legal action may occur if non fanfiction works are plagiarized.

#jujutsu gojo #gojou satoru x reader #jjk gojo #jjk fanfic #gojo x reader #gojo fluff #gojo x y/n #gojo x you #jjk x reader #jjk x poc!reader #jjk headcanons #jjk scenarios #anime hcs #anime x y/n #anime x reader #jujustsu kaisen x reader #jujutsu kaisen #jjk x fem!reader #gojo x female reader

[stonedcoldfoxtarot]

Which 70’s era Diva do you embody?

From left to right:

Pile 1 Grace Jones -> Pile 2 Kate Bush

Pile 3 David Bowie -> Pile 4 Donna Summer

Pile 1

9oS, AoW, 9oW, 5oW rev, Fool, 3oW, 6oP, 6oC rev, AoC, AoS, Hierophant, 3oW (Star)

Pile 1, despite your outgoing personality, many people would be surprised to learn that you are actually very sensitive and shy. Nevertheless, your fun and loving nature draws people towards you everywhere you go. Here, The Hierophant signifies you may be a Taurus sun, moon or rising and that you tend to express your deep inner world by the way you style your hair and clothes, wear your jewelry or makeup and how you decorate your home. You are naturally creative and never in short supply of a gentle hand to hold onto or a shoulder to lean on when you come out of your shell. People want to know you and be in your presence, as you have an air of glamor about you.

Pile 1, many of you exhibit effortless beauty but you are best known for your kindness and generosity towards others. As you age, your volunteer work and philanthropic efforts may make you a well-known figure in your community; having been through difficult times yourself you give without expecting anything in return. You may have had a rough childhood which motivates you to prevent others from experiencing similar struggles. In fact, your kindness and authenticity is what truly makes you a star in the eyes of many.

And although you may exhibit Diva-like qualities from time to time, you pride yourself on being able to maintain your composure in almost any situation. You also don't allow anyone to take advantage of you and would consider yourself a great judge of character. Many of you can easily identify insincerity and won't hesitate to speak up or call someone out when you feel it’s necessary. On top of that, you are a visionary and forward thinker who uses their creativity to bring in abundance and wealth in all areas of your life. Because of this many people admire and look up to you and you take that responsibility seriously. Pile 1, you possess true star power.

The Diva you embody is the one and only, Cher. Learn more about her incredible life and career, here.

Pile 2

3oP, Tower, Wheel of Fortune, Judgement, 10oP, 6oW, 7oC, 5oW, 9oP, QoS (KoC)

Those of you who chose Pile 2 may have recently left a job or group dynamic to pursue a solo adventure or career, possibly causing a sudden upheaval on your way out the door. However, you didn’t mind the fallout because you now know you were put on this earth for a reason and you will not let anything or anyone stop you from claiming what’s yours in this lifetime. In fact, those who know you Pile 2, would say you dream big but they also say you have the work ethic and talent to back it up. When it's time to take on the competition or show your skills you come alive, blowing others away with the magnitude of power you possess when you’re in your zone. You could have multiple hidden talents especially when it comes to the performing arts or anything pertaining to the written word such as poetry and storytelling, or you may just be highly skilled in many different areas of your life. Whatever your skills, you know you are super talented and have what it takes to go the distance.

At times, because you have numerous talents and capabilities, you might feel paralyzed by the illusion of choice when it comes to your career which can cause you act less quickly and decisively as you normally would. However, once you do make a decision you become ruthless in pursuing your goals to the point where others know to not even bother competing. Additionally, you possess a sharpness and quick wit that some may easily interpret as sly or even cunning, but like most Divas, you mostly prefer the term "strategic." And despite your sharp edges, you also know when to handle people with a sensitive and caring touch, not to manipulate them, but because you genuinely like them enough to show your softer side. As Shrek said, "Ogres [read: Divas] are like onions...We both have layers."

The Diva you embody is Stevie Nicks. Read more about the mystically powerful breakout star of Fleetwood Mac, here.

Pile 3

Sun, 5oC, 9oC, 9oP, QoP, 7oS, Emperor, AoS, 10oS, 7oW, 7oP rev, 4oC (Empress)

If you chose Pile 3, you may be a natural performer who has been on a stage or the center of attention in all of your friend and family groups since you were very young. A lot of you have always felt you were born to stand out…and you are absolutely right! Because of this, you have always held your dreams close to you and worn your heart on your sleeve which makes others want to cheer you on and do anything to see you win. Many people admire your fearlessness and think it’s quite brave and refreshing how you say what you mean and mean what you say. You hold nothing back and it’s why many are drawn to you like a moth to a flame.

You possess a lot of natural charisma, Pile 3, however many of you may have also suffered a lot of losses or setbacks early on in your personal life or career before getting to where you are today. If this is the case, many of you are now either doing well in your careers or well on your way to the top. Your bounce back is always bigger than your setback.

For some of you, there may be some things you’ve done in your past that you are not 100% proud of but at that time you might have felt that you were simply doing what needed to be done. Even though you have a pure and generous spirit and have never deliberately set out to hurt or use others, at the same time you acknowledge you are only human and mistakes happen sometimes. Regardless, you own up to your shortcomings and you are not afraid to be honest and forthcoming about your actions. You are quick to apologize and make things right as you never forget others on your way to the top. If you can, you prefer to bring those you care for alongside with you.

On top of your loving nature, for many of you your ability to be an open book and never let the words or opinions of others bother you is absolutely endearing to everyone you meet. People love that you live your life for yourself, and admire the fact that you are the true embodiment of a Divine Feminine (or masculine). But you don’t let all the praise and attention go to your head. In fact, because you’re so authentic you would be the first to admit you may not always be great with day-to-day worries, commitments or responsibilities because you prefer to focus on the bigger picture. However, rest assured people still love you despite your inability to sometimes come back down to earth with the rest of us😇

The Diva you embody is Dolly Parton. Learn more about the beloved country music star, even by those who hate country music, here.

Pile 4

5oW, 8oC, 2oS, 6oC, Hanged Man, 2oP rev, 2oC, Judgement, Strength, 7oP (KoP)

For many of you, your life story is (or will be) what juicy memoirs and award-winning biopics are made of. You have lived quite a life and have been through the ringer more than once, even if you're still young. And although some of your circumstances have been outside your control, there may have been times when you acted as the dynamite in your own life by possibly letting your temper get the best of you. However, you never let your dynamic emotions get too out of control for too long, preferring instead to channel any negative emotions back into your work. In the past you may have even found strength and creative inspiration during some of the lowest or darkest moments of your life.

On top of your fiery temper, Pile 4, you may the type who finds it hard to walk away from toxic or unfulfilling romantic relationships, even when you know damn well you should. You might deflect when people bring this trait to your attention however, using your ability to love others rather deeply as an excuse for selling yourself short. As a defense mechanism, some of you may attempt to come across to the world as tough and exacting but deep down you are a hopeless romantic at heart and those who sense this may sometimes try to take advantage of you. Some of you may even be dealing with or have recently walked away from someone you had an on-again-off-again connection with due to them never being able to fully give you what you want, as they were too focused on building an empire for themselves instead of a life for the both of you. If this resonates, know that you made the right choice by walking away, as this person was nothing more than a distraction from your goals.

Here, the strength card speaks to one of your greatest star qualities, your inner and outer strength and fortitude. People really admire how you stand strong in your convictions even if you end up standing alone. In extreme circumstances you can even display a bit of stubbornness but being the Diva that you are, you view it as being fiercely determined and ready to win at all costs. When others give up, you stand strong. I’m hearing the lyrics “You’re simply the best. Better than all the rest. Better than anyone, anyone I’ve ever met.” from The Best by Tina Turner. Pile 3, you set a great example for others that hard work and never giving up on your dreams really does pay off in the end.

The Diva you embody is Gloria Gaynor. Learn more about the inspiration to her greatest hit, I Will Survive, here.

Thanks for reading🔮✨

© 2023 stonedcoldfoxtarot. All rights reserved. Please do not copy, translate, edit or redistribute.

#pac reading #pick a pile #pick a card #pick a picture #intuitive readings #tarot reading #tarot #pick an image #pick a photo #pac tarot #stonedcoldfoxtarot

[fanhackers]

How To Be Gay, by David M. Halperin

While there are obvious fan studies classics, there are other books that don’t always fall into the “fan studies” canon that I have found incredibly useful for my own thinking.  I cited one of them, Carol Dyhouse’s  Heartthrobs: A History of Women and Desire (2017), a few posts ago; another is David Halperin’s How To Be Gay (2012)

How To Be Gay came out of a course Halperin taught at the University of Michigan, whose full title was “How to Be Gay: Male Homosexuality and Initiation.”  The initiation in question was not sexual, but cultural:  Halperin believes that there are not only gay texts, a gay canon of sorts, but also gay ways of reading that are taught and learned and that help constitute something we might call a gay subjectivity (that you don’t have to be gay actually to have):  e.g. Hollywood movies, opera, Broadway musicals, camp, diva worship, drag, muscle culture, style, fashion, interior design. Halperin asked both why this set of things–why musicals? why this diva or that–and what do they tell us about gay experience? Halperin was trying to trace “gay men’s characteristic relation to mainstream culture,” which often involves collaborative and camp appropriation: a queering.

I find this book very useful, both because fandom also has its own shared languages and rites of initiation (consider the idea of watching something with fannish goggles or slash goggles or a fanfic lens, as was recently discussed in a previous post; think about all the languages and tropes and artistic structures we all learn from each other) but also because Halperin talks about modes of identification that aren’t representational or based obviously in identity politics. So, for example, he says that the gay male students in his class were more likely to express themselves vis a vis a shared text like  The Golden Girls than vis a vis the traditions of what Halperin calls “good gay writing.” There is, Halperin argues, a queer pleasure in the Broadway musical that’s different than the pleasures of gay identity or even gay sex; similarly, queer female fans might find pleasures in identifying with, say, Sherlock, Crowley, or Blackbeard that are very different from the pleasures offered by a woman- or lesbian-centered text. 

Here’s an excerpt that gives a good sense of the book, I think: fans might identify with this or recognize it as descriptive of their own fannish feels.  (FWIW, the italics are all his!)

[H]omosexuality is not just a sexual orientation but a cultural orientation, a dedicated commitment to certain social or aesthetic values, an entire way of being.  That distinctively gay way of being, moreover, appears to be rooted in a particular queer way of feeling. And that queer way of feeling—that queer subjectivity—expresses itself through a peculiar, dissident way of relating to cultural objects (movies, songs, clothes, books, works of art) and cultural forms in general (art and architecture, opera and musical theater, pop and disco, style and fashion, emotion and language). As a cultural practice, male homosexuality involves a characteristic way of receiving, reinterpreting, and reusing mainstream culture, of decoding and recoding the heterosexual or heteronormative meanings already encoded in that culture, so that they come to function as vehicles of gay or queer meaning. It consists, as the critic John Clum says, in “a shared alternative reading of mainstream culture.” As a result, certain figures who are already prominent in the mass media become gay icons: they get taken up by gay men with a peculiar intensity that differs from their wider reception in the straight world. (That practice is so marked, and so widely acknowledged, that the National Portrait Gallery in London could organize an entire exhibition around the theme of Gay Icons in 2009.) And certain cultural forms, such as Broadway musicals or Hollywood melodramas, are similarly invested with a particular power and significance, attracting a disproportionate number of gay male fans. What this implies is that it is not enough for a man to be homosexual in order to be gay. Same-sex desire alone does not equal gayness. In order to be gay, a man has to learn to relate to the world around him in a distinctive way.  (p. 12 - 13)

–Francesca Coppa, Fanhackers volunteer

#author: francescacoppa #fanhacker #fan reading #queer reading #subjectivity vs identity

[luxe-pauvre]

APRIL 2024

Read:

Objectifying Expression

A Reminiscence on Youth and Our Former Selves

Self-respect: its source, its power

The Ugly History of Beautiful Things: Perfume

Goya: Bearing true witness

Camera Mortis

‘Everything Is Terrible, but I’m Fine’

The Antilibrary: Why Unread Books Are The Most Important

How to fall back in love with reading

#24: The Emily Ratajkowski effect

Deep Medicine: How Artificial Intelligence Can Make Healthcare Human Again by Eric Topol

Watched:

why you keep buying books you don’t read*

Dune: Part Two

Scoop

Priscilla

Elvis

Listened To:

Oppenheimer (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

Went To:

Yayoi Kusama @ Tate Modern

Women In Revolt! @ Tate Britain

Accidentally West Anderson: The Exhibition @ 85 Old Brompton Road

DIVA @ the V&A

The Cult of Beauty @ the Wellcome Collection

#*This fascinated me because I don’t and have never done this? I read everything I buy? Is this a common thing? #personal

[bitter69uk]

The Victoria and Albert Museum’s hotly anticipated blockbuster “Divas” fashion exhibit (24 June to 7 April) opens later this month. Amongst the holy artefacts I’m gagging to see: one of Edith Piaf’s signature black dresses, Josephine Baker’s skimpy, glittery 1920s Folies Bergère costume and the cocktail dress Edith Head designed for Bette Davis’ portrayal of Margo Channing in All About Eve (1950). But the undeniable star attraction is Bob Mackie’s “flame dress” worn onstage by the late, great soul goddess Tina Turner in 1977 when she was hustling to re-invent herself as a solo performer in her post-Ike disco-era wilderness years. (Fun fact: it was Turner’s friend and ardent supporter Ann-Margret who hooked her up with Mackie. He was already designing A-M’s spectacular Vegas ensembles – in addition to Cher’s, Diana Ross’ and Charo’s!). To promote the exhibit, today’s edition of The Guardian features an interview with the 83-year-old “Rajah of the Rhinestone.” He reflects on his 40-year friendship with Turner: “Even though I knew she wasn’t well, losing Tina was a shock. There was still such joy in that big rough laugh of hers. I thought she would be here for ever.” Asked to compare how modern “divas” compare, Mackie is understandably underwhelmed (will people be clamouring to see Rita Ora, Ellie Goulding or Dua Lipa costumes three decades from now?). And the maestro of the strategically placed sequin is clearly unafraid of rousing the ire of the BeyHive. Asked about Beyonce (whose Renaissance tour just passed through London), he shrugs, “The clothes don’t really show off the talent. It looks like Naomi Campbell doing a nightclub act.” Meow! Pictured: Bob Mackie’s original 1977 sketch for Turner’s “flame dress.”

#tina turner #bob mackie #victoria and albert museum #divas #divas exhibit #sequins #kitsch #bold soul sister #lobotomy room #soul diva #ann margret #gay icon #glamour

[tiarascrowns]

Henry Dunay | Gold, Diamond and Simulated Diamond 'Lachrymosa' Mask

Property from the Collection of a Connoisseur

Henry Dunay

Gold, Diamond and Simulated Diamond 'Lachrymosa' Mask

Of foliate design, set with numerous round diamonds, further decorated with round, oval, pear and marquise-shaped simulated diamonds, highlighted by a gold teardrop, gross weight approximately 356 dwts, mask and handle signed Henry Dunay, numbered IA2102 and 16911; dated 1993.

In the early 1990s, New York jewelry designer Henry Dunay was tapped to design a mask that would be sold to benefit the American Foundation for AIDS Research. Well-known for his striking and dramatic creations, Dunay allowed himself eight months to craft a piece he deemed worthy of amfAR’s mission. The result is the piece offered here, aptly named The Lachrymosa in reference to the many tears shed over the global scourge of AIDS.

In 1993, Elizabeth Taylor donned the mask at an amfAR charity event. The mask  reappeared in 2009 at the Antwerp Diamond Museum’s “Diamond Divas” exhibition, celebrating famous jewelry-loving women. It is believed that the mask was sold that same year, when Dunay closed his doors after over 50 years of business. Reportedly set with over 130 carats of diamonds, the mask was lauded by Dunay as something that “would be ideal…at the Smithsonian, saying what it was made for and why it was made.” At some point along its journey, the larger diamonds were replaced with simulants, but the dramatic power of Dunay’s original creation remains.

Sotheby's

#object of art #mask #masquerade mask #elizabeth taylor #henry dunay #gold #diamonds #diamond #simulated diamonds #tiara crown #tiaras crowns #tiarascrowns #tiaracrown #sotheby's

[allthebrazilianpolitics]

Rio funk: The stigmatized dance that reigns in Brazil’s favelas finally enters the museum

The Rio Art Museum has dedicated this season’s grand exhibition to telling the story of the rhythm born in the city’s marginal neighborhoods, which combines African-American soul music and Indigenous elements

In the middle of an afternoon on a weekday, seeing such a long line to enter a museum in Brazil is quite striking. Even more extraordinary is that a good part of those waiting to buy tickets are under the age of 30.

The exhibition, Funk: A Cry of Boldness and Freedom, has been a huge success since it opened three weeks ago at the Rio Art Museum (MAR). Through 900 works and objects, it reviews the history of this rhythm — Rio funk — which was born in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro. The exhibition explores the relationship between the American soul music of James Brown and the demands of the Afro-Brazilian movement in the 1970s.

Rio funk — often mistakenly considered to be the preferred music of gangsters — has been triumphing for years in the peripheries of Brazil. Little by little, it’s finally acquiring the status of a respectable cultural expression, a path that samba already followed decades ago.

In the two rooms of the MAR that are hosting the exhibition, which runs until August 2024, the sound is thunderous. Visitors who have never been to one of these massive dances — which are held outdoors at dawn under plastic tarps in peripheral Brazilian neighborhoods — feel as if they’re standing next to a wall erected with speakers, which hammer out the funk. This is the same rhythm that catapulted Anitta, the great diva of Brazilian music, to international fame.

Continue reading.

#brazil #brazilian politics #politics #music #funk #museums #arts #mod nise da silveira #image description in alt

[kalesmooothies]

the V&A diva exhibit and cream tea in Harrods :p

#girlblogging #gaslight gatekeep girlblog #lana del rey #light academia #nature #chaotic academia #moodboard #london #v&a #v&a museum

[painsandconfusion]

Valerie - 11/10 She is beauty, she is grace, she’s throwin new blooms in your face. Was mostly dead half a year ago and we brought her back babeyyyyyyy

Gregory - 9/10 Not so pretty right now becuase he froze the fuck to death last month in a flash freeze, but he’s growin back like a trooper. Doing great, and I'm proud of my boy.

Kenneth (Kent) - 3/10 Root rot I can never quite fix. Peep the leaf wilted over the side. Can’t seem to figure this idiot out and he's supposed to be the easy one.

Judith - 8/10 Doing her best and Still tossing in a few some spotty bits but she’s a babey and she’s doing great. Really seems to have perked up since I moved her to brighter light and is smoothing out nicely. Two new leaves unfurled by hand today after she got stuck for a couple weeks.

Dwane - 3/10 Very pretty but refuses to root lock or support himself in ANY way. Throws a fit every time I water him. Throws leaves everywhere. Makes my cats puke. Kinda just a dramatic diva. 

Cornelia - 9/10 Gorgeous. Also a diva and wilts when I don���t water her every day then pops back up within an hour like nothing happened. But hey, at least she communicates clearly and concisely. Doesn't hold a grudge. Throws pink flowers over my yard like she’s doing tryouts for celebrity flower girl.

This concludes my exhibition. Thank you for listening.

#not whump #houseplants

[skippyv20]

Hello Skippy, Do you think Invictus Games should give consideration to parting company with H and hanger on M after this disgusting exhibition in NYC. They do not show any form of integrity to belong to such a worthwhile cause.

Media

Ever since Diva thought she belonged in Invictus, I thought they should let Harry go!  🐼