MYLIE CYRUS: THE VISUAL ARTIST

Miley Cyrus debuted her her work as a visual artist at a solo show entitled "Dirty Hippy" at New York City's fashion week. Cyrus partnered with controversial former MOCA gallerist, Jefferey Deitch. Deitch helped Cyrus present and market her work at fashion week as well as at Art Basel, later on that week. Art Basel is regarded as the "Olympics of the Art World", and Cyrus headlined this years show in Miami Florida with an invitation only show.

Cyruses work ranges from candy rave psychedelia kwaii inspired sculptures built from reclaimed items thrown on stage at her shows, to bizarre erotic video art as well as a clothing & jewelry line. Cyruses art also includes trippy performances with unexpected guests such as the Flaming Lips frontman, Rob Coyne.

Aside from art, Miley has kept herself busy wrapping up the controversial "Bangerz" tour and launching her philanthropic venture, The Happy Hippy Foundation. Cyrus has been hosting shows in her backyard as part of the project to help raise funding. Guests of these shows include Joan Jett and the punk band Against Me!. The Happy Hippy Foundation provides housing and support for homeless and destitute teens.  

Many people scoff at Miley's sincere venture in to the art world due to her social and financial status, as well as the fact that she is a pop star. Many disregard her art, and see it as another attention seeking move. Other artists are saying that because she is famous, she has access to means that other artists don't. Which is true. My opinion on Miley's work is that she is truly being artistic, and expressing herself in a way that is truly outside the persona that is expected of her as a pop star, and a popular social figure. If she was still obeying the rules, per her Disney/Pop handlers, she would be more like Taylor Swift, and be a caricature of the typical female innocent sex kitten that most pop stars are these days. I think she is staying within certain perimeters in order to be accepted and to stay relevant within the pop world, while still separating herself from it.

Miley's artwork, in my opinion, looks like elevated pre-teen craft fair type of works. Most of her works are composed what most would see as junk, or children's toys. One example is a mask composed entirely of tiny felted toy bears and ribbons. Another is a sculpture made of plastic beads, Slinky's and small doll figures. Deitch labeled her art as "southern outsider art". Outsider art is typically self taught art, done in a style that is as individual as the person making it. I don't know how I would label her art, but I do see what she is doing as a sincere expression of her personality and vision. Yes, the fact she has a hoity toity gallerist to market her works and vision makes it so much easier, but its no reason for other artists to hate on her work. The art community supports other artists. Miley may not seem like an independent artist, but in my opinion, she is. What she is doing is so outside the pop princess archetype, and within the realm of eccentric creator that I can relate, as an eccentric creator as well.