However, I do find bits and pieces that interest me even in books that don't appeal to me overall. Parts of books that I think you should take a peak at, if not necessarily buy.
Such is the case with Ari Gold. I like the premise. Several photographers, including singer Boy George, and illustrators such as the incomparable Joe Phillips, take their best shots at the self-proclaimed Jewish rocker.
Unfortunately the result is a horrific, contrived, gaudy, mish-mash. The Boy George pictures, which rely on heavy make-up, glitter and outlandish costuming, are particularly nightmarish. What strikes me most about the Boy George photographs is how closely the pictures mirror his own persona. His personal use of stage make up, and costumes. I've heard him say he created his style to be different, unique. So he could not have appreciated, on a certain level, the legions of young female fans who emulated his exact look in the 1980s. Uniformity was the opposite of what he sought. Yet, imitation truly is the sincerest form of flattery.
Boy George once commented that he was a fat queen with a big nose, and anything he did to disguise that fact was fine by him. Of course, Ari Gold is no overweight queen, and his unadorned body is one of his major assets. I deeply respect and appreciate Boy George for his accomplishments. I love his sweet, melodic voice, and his music. I only wish I could have liked his photographs of Ari Gold.
But I did enjoy several photos taken in the crashing surf of an unadorned Ari dressed in just a pair of ordinary Levis. Simple, clean, effective. Reviewers complained about Peggy Lee at the twilight of her singing career that she was so covered up, her gowns reached the floor, her sleeves covered every inch of arms, her long bangs obscured her face, that there was virtually nothing of herself visible. As if she was phoning in her appearances.
The individual must dominate his or her attire and accoutrement, not vice versa.
There are also a couple of very sexy, seemingly vintage pictures of Gold wearing nothing but an army cap that are authentically aged, torn, tattered and yellowed to appear circa World War II era. If you saw these two black and white prints on their own your first reaction would be to believe they were of a brave resistance fighter. The photos by John Falocco (including the faux vintage set of two pictures) are the finest, in my opinion. His session shows Ari Gold at his best, with minimal clothing, virtually no backdrops, and no make up. Nothing to obstruct his raw sensuality, and natural vitality.Ari Gold is thoroughly vanilla, and totally soft core. There isn't the slightest peak at his bush, let alone the family jewels.
Published by Bruno Gmunder 2005. $45 retail, about $29 from online merchants such as Amazon.com. You can even rent the book at BookRenter.com
www.arigold.com
Your email comments are always welcome:
ErnieAlderete@charter.net