Celebrity Mug Shots Become Fine Art

Posted on April 7th, 2010 By M'Lou Elkins Under: Random Tags: art, celebrity mugshots, charlie sheen, david bowie, jane fonda, lindsay Lohan, marilyn manson, mel gibson

Celebrity mug shots become fine art when Charlie Sheen takes his place next to Sid Vicious and Steve McQueen in the art exhibit, Hollywood Most Wanted, currently showcased at the Arclight Hollywood.

Using silkscreen and digital image techniques, artist Rachel Schmeidler manipulates familiar celebrity mug shots to produce Warhol-inspired imagery for her series, Hollywood Most Wanted + Co.

The exhibit combines Schmeidler’s passion for popular culture, government, and technology and she wanted to place politicians side by side with celebrities and musicians to prove a point.

“Political pundits cast aspersions on candidates and incumbents by labeling their policies and beliefs ‘communist’ or ‘socialist,’” Schmeidler said. “I have noticed many of these exchanges recently and wanted to bring them to light in a humorous way by placing them here alongside Hollywood celebrities and musicians. We are all ultimately the same before the flash of the mug shot bulb.”

Her portfolio of over 70 mug shots includes images of villainous mobsters, infamous political figures, and some of Hollywood’s most notorious celebs and musicians.

David Bowie, March 21, 1976. Arrested with Iggy Pop and two others for possession of marijuana (half a pound)

Mel Gibson, July 28, 2006. Arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. Gibson had been driving 86 mph in a 45 mph zone, and had a blood-alcohol level of .12% (the legal limit is .08%). An opened bottle of Tequila was also found in the car.

Jane Fonda, November 3, 1970. Arrested for kicking a cop when she was found carrying what appeared to be a large quantity of pills. It was later announced that the so-called pills were actually vitamins.