When one thinks of Times Square, the concept of tourist attractions come to mind. One of the veteran places in this area that entices millions of visitors is the Wax Museum of Madame Tussauds, which features the wax figures of celebrities of the past and present. However, aside from the humorous poses with these statues, do you contemplate the process of making these works of art? Recently, Madame Tussauds undertook the task of creating eight was figures of the pop star sensation Lady Gaga for the wax museums created around the world. The process is a very long one, for the statues are created from scratch. Artists build up from a metal frame with clay to create a plaster mold in order to pour in wax. The hair of the celebrities are individually inserted as wigs, extensions, or both. Even the clothes are painstakingly made from various materials, and the shoes are cobbled.
The process of creating these wax figures reminds of Yigal Ozeri’s works. Artists create an illusion of skin color and makeup with paint using various techniques and building it up, just like how Ozeri creates an illusion of a photo with paint as well. I am also reminded of the moveable type printing press, for two molds of Lady Gaga’s face and body were made to form the eight figures. You can learn more about the process here:
I always wondered about how these wax figures were made! The amount of patience that these artists possess is incredible. Their eye for detail is wonderfully sharp, and it shows in the masterpieces they make. I still find it hard to believe that they made not only one statue of Lady Gaga, but EIGHT. Every one of her body features is exact, from the veins in her eyes to the calligraphy of her tattoos! Her outfits must’ve been fun to design, too (haha).
It just gives you an idea of the extent to which artists (especially those in the Pop field) are measured by things that are not directly part of their “art.” The non-musical aspects of musical figures has increased exponentially. Of course, having the trappings without the musical values adds up to nothing. Imagine if Lady Gaga performed “wearing” the piano like the later post describes?