Unlike the jump from music to TV, or TV to film, it’s not often we see celebrities cross over into the art world as those who create rather than collect. There are undoubtedly talented studio artists among the world of celebrity, and just last month, Robert Pattinson selected six works that were auctioned off at Sotheby’s New York in a Contemporary Curated sale. Almost all works associated with the sale either met or exceeded their estimates, proving that this likely isn’t the last time we see celebrities and art merge. There are those who go above and beyond to engage with the art world and pursue their practice–but how does this type of expression differ from the spectacle of television and film?

LUCY LIU

Lucy Liu’s most well known film appearances are sourced from the early 2000s and include roles in Charlie’s Angels and Kill Bill  that similarly center around female action and prowess. In between acting and directing, Liu has primarily focused on artistic pursuits in recent years, expanding her scope of practice from photography (which began in her teens), to painting, silkscreening, sculpture, and more. Looking to her own experiences as part of an immigrant family, her work often incorporates the notion of belonging with a tie to her younger self, revealing psychological discoveries and provoking emotional responses. This concept is exemplified in her series “Lost and Found,” which features books with empty pages and small cutouts that house found objects that Liu picks up in her day to day life. Something Liu has done since childhood, the collection of these objects correlates to a specific period, story, or experience in her life. In 2020, the Napa Valley Museum in Yountville, California displayed her work in “Lucy Liu: One of These Things Is Not Like the Others,” a collection of wood sculptures, erotic paintings inspired by Shunga, embroidered images, and silkscreens. 

JEMIMA KIRKE

Jemima Kirke was formally trained as a studio artist at the Rhode Island School of Design before starring in HBO’s Girls for 5 years, and eventually retreated from working as an actress to settle back down into studio work. Although she received offers for TV and film after Girls, Kirke felt as though she had lost focus and a return to painting helped her find it. Kirke’s portraits capture whoever she can find to sit for her, whether it be costars, her children, or strangers she approaches in public. She has only exhibited a handful of times, and some of her earlier works have never been seen. Slowing production by industry standards, Kirke has opted to work on a painting over the course of a few years, versus the weekly and even daily paintings she has done before. Kirke’s making of portraits has evolved into a very personal endeavor, recalling a sense of intimacy and privacy uncommon in the realm of celebrity. 

SETH ROGEN 

Rogen first debuted his ceramic creations on social media, but they eventually became part of his brand which specializes in vases, ashtrays, lighters, and other smoking paraphernalia. His company, Houseplant, is rooted in his own interest in vintage smoking accessories and collection of novelty ashtrays. Earthy and whimsical, Rogen’s ceramic offerings show range and a playful exploration of the medium from a beginner. What was once a hobby has turned into a weekly showcase of new, experimental works on Rogen’s personal Instagram, each more impressive than the last. Although he typically sells the works as part of his retail collection, they have also begun to sell through secondary venues. Canadian auction house Heffel sold a ceramic sculpture from Rogen in 2021 for $15,000 CAD (roughly $11,000 USD).

BRAD PITT

Pitt’s exhibit opened this year in Finland at the Sara Hildén Art Museum alongside British artist Thomas Houseago and Australian musician Nick Cave. The actor and artist selected a plaster sculpture depicting a gunfight, as well as silicone sculptures showing the impact of being shot by different ammunition types. Being self-taught, this is the first public exhibition of his work, but he has frequently spoken about his interest in design as well as ceramics in the past. Allegedly, he installed a studio in his home where he and Leonardo DiCaprio made pottery together. There isn’t much information surrounding Pitt’s origins as an artist or his practices, but it seems we will learn of more personal insights in the coming years. 

from the desk of Madison Kelley

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Aton, Francesca. “Actor Robert Pattinson Curates an Auction at Sotheby's in New York.” ARTnews.com. ARTnews.com, September 8, 2022. https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/actor-robert-pattinson-curates-an-auction-at-sothebys-in-new-york-1234638461/.

Eckardt, Stephanie. “Inside Jemima Kirke's Studio, Where She's Restarting Life after 'Girls'.” W Magazine. W Magazine, May 11, 2017. https://www.wmagazine.com/culture/jemima-kirke-art-studio-visit-brooklyn.

“Heffel | Canadas National Fine Art Auction House - Ho2 Art Auction.” Heffel. Accessed October 27, 2022.

“Lucy Liu Bio.” Lucy Liu. Accessed October 27, 2022. https://www.lucyliu.net/.

Schultz, Kathryn. “The Brad Pitt Sculptures You've Read So Much About Are Finally On Display.” Architectural Digest. Architectural Digest, September 21, 2022. https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/brad-pitt-sculptures-on-display.

“Thomas Houseago – We.” Sara Hildén Art Museum, October 26, 2022. https://www.sarahildenintaidemuseo.fi/en/exhibition/thomas-houseago-we/%C2%A0.