Abstract

​

Reflecting on Lady Gaga’s ARTPOP ten years on from its release, within the context of an art history perspective, placing its roots within the Pop Art scene of the 1970’s- 80’s and how it has gone on to influence popular culture.

​

Gaga is not an unknown figure within written theory, specifically pertaining to theories on gender, sexuality, fashion, and performance art. Looking at Lady Gaga not just as an artist, but looks at ARTPOP, not as an album but as a concept and experience, as a case study on the intersections of art and music using performance, experience, immersion, and fandom.

​

A journey taken from Gaga’s influences growing up in Manhattan – such as the underground scene she rose to fame in and the art movements close to the heart of her city- to the conception of ARTPOP, the negative critical reception it received upon its release, and how public opinion has changed over time as the music scene has evolved. Specifically with the introduction of Hyperpop as a genre and the understanding people have of music as a self-referential art form.

​

As the title ARTPOP expresses, Gaga intended for the album to be a reverse Warholian experience, putting art culture into music. This paper asks what happens when art culture is put into music and then spat back into the cultural zeitgeist, in turn impacting future pop and art culture?