Orlan was someone that I have honestly never heard of before this class. I really enjoyed learning something new about somebody so fascinating. Orlan truly was one of a kind. She pushed the envelope on nearly everything she did, with little to no regard to public reaction or perception. These types of people, to me, are inspirational. Rather than following the norm of society, Orlan did what Orlan wanted to do. That seems to be a very common theme amongst many of the artists we talk about in class. They are groundbreaking, game changing artists who leave a lasting impression on world society and culture. One of Orlan’s traits that left an impression on me was her obsession with plastic surgery and the “Reincarnation of St. Orlan” beginning in 1990. I mean, the girl had horns put on her head. (Although they weren’t intended to be horns, but ended up looking that way, so conservatives had an easy dig at her). Also, I could’ve have sworn that Orlan is the mother of Lady Gaga….their outlooks towards life and society, not to mention they look eerily similar (before the plastic surgery project, of course!)
Reincarnation in progress:
Lady Gaga tributes Orlan by wearing "horns" very similar to Orlan's plastic surgery:
