For me, the work is downright creepy. The artist responsible for these... pieces... is known for his work in Hustler Magazine, among other less-than-conservative exploits. It looks like he pasted the head of a fourteen-year-old onto a nude adult body, and drew the resulting collage. Work on his personal website makes similarly disturbing use of unsuspecting actresses, such as Emma Roberts, Alexis Bledel and Taylor Swift. The small, chubby facial features are clearly meant to make the girl in each image look underage. At this point, I think American Apparel is simply pushing their advertising to be as controversial as possible, under the guise of misunderstanding and conservative bias.
Here's a more interesting, modern, and appropriate take on current censorship standards:
This subway campaign for Daffy's clothing provides a way for consumers to get involved that makes great use of the Twitterverse and social networking strategies, as opposed to simply presenting us with gratuitous sexuality.
Come on American Apparel, overt nudity isn't impressing anyone - even in graphite.
Of course American Apparel would do this. Have you ever ordered anything off of their website?... Neither have I, but I've looked! It is risque, but not meant to be for sex offenders.. I think this is just taking it to a whole new level. I couldn't agree more with your creepy comment.
ReplyDeleteAnd gross.. Alexis Bledel is my look alike >:p
Okay I do not understand American Apparel's concept of advertising. If they think advertising is equivalent to soft-core pornography, then they are on the right track. I also think for a quote on quote American company, that the used of nudity is strange. Now if this was from a european company, it would seem just a little bit more out of place. However, after reading about the artist of these illustrations, and seeing some of his other drawings, I have come to the conclusion that this man may be a tad off. I have no idea why any company would want to promote a man who draws underaged girls in an erotic way. American Apparel needs to fire whoever is running their advertising department.
ReplyDeleteAA is so classssy. This really draws a curvy line between soft core and sex sells. I have to admit that I'm wearing AA leggings but I don't agree with their advertising style. Everything I've seen from them is for pure shock value and has no creative thought. You remember their billboard of Woody Allen as a Rabbi without his consent? They just did it for publicity. I feel like Dov Charney is just laughing himself to sleep and it's all a joke on society. Me and my roommate joke about their website - if they are selling a shirt, the model can't wear pants & if they are selling tights the model can't be wearing a shirt. Seriously, check out their website, it's true. * Face palm *
ReplyDeleteAnn: that billboard was pretty ridiculous.
ReplyDeleteChase: That's true. He can only take so many risks before someone will force to have him locked up in a mental hospital.
Morgana: I think there's a look-a-like on his portfolio site for anyone, it's really extensive and disturbing...
Thanks for the comments!