David LaChapelle, best known for his decades of creative “kitsch pop surrealism” and commercial photography, is having his first solo exhibition in Miami Beach now through March 2 at the VISU Contemporary Art Gallery, 2160 Park Ave., Ste. 100.
You won’t see his photograph of a naked Naomi Campbell dousing herself in milk or Kanye West wearing a crown of thorns, or rapper Tupac Shakur in a bathtub. But what you will see in “David LaChapelle: Happy Together” is an exhibition featuring more than 30 pieces created between 1985 and the present, including his newest work, “Three Graces (male)” 2023, inspired by Raphael’s master painting “The Three Graces” (1503-1505).
(©David LaChapelle/Courtesy of VISU Contemporary)
David LaChapelle, “Rape of Africa,” Los Angeles, 2009.
VISU Contemporary co-owner and co-curator Bruce Halpryn aptly described LaChapelle’s body of work as thought-provoking narratives.
“Many of the iconic works on view have become a mirror of the time we live in, while also providing a glimpse into the future,” he said.
LaChapelle’s unique point of view has made him one of the world’s most influential and most published living photographers. He’s exhibited across the globe for the past 30 years and now South Floridians can see his work in person, just across the street from The Bass museum. VISU Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday, noon to 5:30 p.m.
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(©David LaChapelle/ Courtesy of VISU Contemporary)
David LaChapelle, “Chanel on Ice,” Oregon, 1997.
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(©David LaChapelle/Courtesy of VISU Contemporary)
David LaChapelle, “Lobster with A Side of Fries,” Bahamas, 1998.