When's the last time you watched Madonna's music videos for "Vogue," "Justify My Love," and "Erotica"? When's the last time you watched them with an art history expert specializing in feminist and queer aesthetics? Tonight in the basement at Elliott Bay, we will watch all three videos (two of which were banned by MTV) during an onstage conversation with Ryann Donnelly, a local musician (and personal friend) turned London-trained PhD. Donnelly was the lead singer in the band Schoolyard Heroes before decamping for New York City and a master's degree, followed by a PhD in London, where she is now a professor of art history.
In her book Justify My Love: Sex, Subversion, and Music Video, she writes about growing up in Olympia, Courtney Love, Hole, what it's like working with men in the music industry, Frank Ocean, Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Mykki Blanco, Le1f, dealing with record labels, making music videos, depression and artistic setbacks, having sex with people who are lying to you, and more.
The book isn't a straightforward academic work of feminist/queer theory and aesthetics, though there is that in the book. Instead, it's a hybrid of narrative modes, blending together memoir and research and brilliant analysis and just plain good old-fashioned writing, including some unbelievably steamy sex stuff. This is not a writer who writes out of fear. This is a writer writing from a place of power, a writer who's willing to let you in, a writer you should listen to.
As a gay guy, I thought I knew all about Madonna, but reading a few pages toward the beginning of the book taught me: I don't know shit about Madonna. I said as much to Ryann over email a few days ago, and we agreed to watch these three videos at the bookstore event and talk about themâand your participation is strongly encouraged.
In case you want to brush up:
We will discuss these (and other subjects from her book as well) at 7 pm tonight. Be there.
