○SHAMXN○
One thing is to have a beauty routine and another is to totally transform oneself into a totally different entity and that's what Michael Moon does. Periodically. Oh, but "he's a handsome man without all that make up", you'd say. But of course that is not Moon's objective and it should not be. Beauty is in the very unusual eye of the beholder.
The thing is, at the beginning, before becoming an extra-terrestrial-fairy-healer Moon comes across almost as bashful. They have chosen between living in a peaceful, almost idyllic place or come to civilization to heal the world. Why, yes. Moon is an activist. We all know that we can do activism in many ways (I am a desktop activist, but that's another story). They protest, for example, the horrible conditions in which animals are kept before they are slaughtered for human consumption. They want to make a difference, and not only by being vegan.
Notice that their makeup routine is tied to their activism. Even the color they choose have meaning. There's method to what some may consider madness. Moon is not only a makeup artist. They're an artist who practices make up. One thing, though. I kind of almost fainted when they talked about the eye procedure. You've been warned.
They have worked with some big names in fashion: Rick Owens, Vivienne Westwood, Haan, the works. People like Moon really bring the word 'diversity' to the forefront and that's something that some people notice and encourage. Inclusion and representation. Those are things that are important. Especially for those of us who do not conform to the status quo.
What called my attention is that Moon is tuned in to technology in a big way. You'd thing a person with such connections to the natural world would be something of a technophobe, but here we are. A shamxn who advocates for Assange. A book by its cover and all that, am I right?
I was left wondering about the number of suns (thanks, Elon) it'll take before we can do some AI telepathy. And I went in thinking about make-up. I guess it's my journey.
XOXO
Do you know what impresses me the most? the eyes!
ReplyDeleteOMG Xersex. Same!
DeleteI could not stop thinking about them. Body modification has gone way beyond just piercings.
XOXO
wouldn't colored lenses have been enough?
DeleteWell, for many people they would have been. But some people like a more lasting effect. I find it extreme, but hey..
DeleteXOXO
Moon is a very interesting individual. As you said, they embrace technology while trying to save the world. The way they transform themselves is quite amazing. Their mission is admirable. And the image of them with four eyes was very disorienting. 🙃
ReplyDeleteYou have a knack for finding these interesting individuals and bringing them to us.
XOXO 👨❤️💋👨
I think they're super interesting.
DeleteThe presentation is nothing more than an artistic expression, but the motive remains laudable.
XOXO
The problem for activists like Moon is that a majority turn them off after the first glance. Activists succeed bet when there is no glitz involved, a primary example is Greta T.
ReplyDeleteOh, but this is not for Karen from HR, no.
DeleteThis message is not for the person who likes Chinos and button down blue shirts. The message is wasted on those who do not want to see.
XOXO
I say if it brings attention to a cause, then I am all for it; also, I am all for people fighting against norms.
ReplyDeleteBingo!
DeleteAnd here's the thing: Art for the sake of art is laudable. Art with a purpose is fab. Especially when breaking with the norms is involved.
XOXO
Performance art to draw attention to a cause is as old as the hills. But, Dave R is right insomuch as over-the-top will make people avoid the artist after that initial glance. For instance the person we see with the dog doesn't engage, but walks past. In activism, one must get people to engage, to listen, to learn. Ultimately, to care. One cannot get a message to the masses if the masses avoid the messenger. XOXO
ReplyDeleteIndeed. But the initial glance is going to slide if the person watching is biased. No matter how the message is packaged, the person receiving it needs to see it. The person with the dog would never see beyond the blue skin and the huge platforms. Never.
DeleteThe moment of the activism is reserved for the moment when it is more effective.
XOXO
I gotta say that the blue moon paint reminds me of the X-men character Nightcrawler.
ReplyDeleteYES!
DeleteIt's totally Nightcrawler. And this is one of the ways that their message gets to others: through references. And it's something that's missed by those turned off by their lack of a point to latch onto.
XOXO
Wow. Makes me feel like I need to step up my game quite a bit. Thanks for introducing me to Moon, Sixpence.
ReplyDeleteHahaha
DeleteI hope you do get some Rick Owens platforms. His coats are fantastic, too. I can just see you strutting to a PTA meeting in them.
But the idea of emulating an artist is only valid if we can match the artistry. The rest of us just watch.
XOXO
Hmmm. Sorry. Feels exploitative. Not sure what this accomplishing but calling attention to SELF. Which is the new way of the world, thanks to the internet. Interesting drag, but activism? Naw. Just more influencer TAKE MY PICTURE make a buck LOOK AT ME crap. (Sorry, I am a jaded old bag). Kizzes.
ReplyDeleteI kind of disagree. Calling attention to self is the first step to calling attention to a cause. For example, the moment of delivery for the message is for example, when the world is watching: when walking for Vivienne Westwood. That's when the message reaches more than a man walking his dog.
DeleteIt's the way this generation is delivering the message. Is it over the top? Of course it is. It needs to be.
And you could never be old. Or a bag. Jaded? Not more than I am.
XOXO