Step into the spotlight: free portraits tomorrow at “The Talent Show”
David Lamelas’ simple theatrical spotlight, illuminating a darkened gallery in the new exhibition The Talent Show, has been described as “an implicit and alluring invitation.”
We’re making that invitation more explicit: Commemorate yourself with a free portrait tomorrow night (April 22), as Walker staff photographer Cameron Wittig shoots visitors beneath Lamelas’ spotlight at Target Free Thursday Night, from 6 pm to 7 pm. (Portraits will be posted within a few days at flickr.com/photos/walkerart/ — look for the “Spotlight Portaits” set.)
Lamelas’ work plays up the contrast, so to speak, between our competing desires for notoriety and privacy — which are further complicated in an era of so-called reality TV, social networking, and viral videos.
So whether or not you’re game for a portrait, we extend a second invitation: use the Comments box below to share your thoughts on fame, notoriety vs. privacy, and such – and how these themes play out in The Talent Show. The questions below might spark some comments, or submit your own musings.
- What’s fame good for?
- What was your closest brush with fame?
- Do you want to be famous, and if so, for what?
- Perhaps you’d rather be notorious than famous – and if so, why?
- What would you be willing to do for fame?

David Lamelas has got a truly awe-inspiring way of expressing his creations – The talent show is not just implicit, it is a modern masterpiece deserved of a place in the annals of contemporary art history.
Comment by book publishers — May 19, 2010 at 9:32 am