Madonna: A Transformational Exhibition

A new multi-media exhibition featuring never-before-seen Madonna photographed in her iconic 1980s street style by celebrated photographers Richard Corman and George DuBose debuted last night at W Mexico City.

The traveling exhibit combines music, photography and pop culture, and has been transformed during the launch event by famed New York City street artist Alec Monopoly with his signature style. The exhibition will then travel around the globe making stops at W Hotels worldwide, including the locations in Singapore, Paris, Bangkok, Hong Kong and New York City. At each stop along the global tour, New York City street artist Alec Monopoly will transform the photos live using his graffiti style artistry, featuring his signature Monopoly Man’ tag.

Vincent Gillet, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels and Le Méridien said that the company is “delighted to partner with vitaminwater and Rock Paper Photo on this exclusive exhibition that celebrates music and fashion, two of the W brand’s core passions. Madonna is one of the industry’s biggest icons, and through this innovative partnership, we’re able to create a truly exclusive experience that gives our jet-setting guests insider access to never-been-seen-before photographs of the Queen of Pop.”

“This incredible exhibition personifies style, cachet and personality – a perfect fit what we stand for as a brand,” added Rodolfo Echeverria, vice president of global active lifestyle beverages, Coca-Cola. “We’re thrilled to partner with W Hotels and Rock Paper Photo to give our drinkers around the globe an intimate peek at one of the greatest pop stars of our time.”

As part of the exhibition, Rock Paper Photo together with Corman, who has photographed the likes of Nelson Mandela, Kurt Vonnegut, and Keith Haring, will reveal never-before-seen portraits of Madonna shot in New York City, also the birthplace of W Hotels. Featuring the music icon’s signature 80s street style, this is the first time that several of Corman’s photographs will be revealed to the public. The photographs have been curated by Rock Paper Photo, the ultimate online fine art photography gallery, founded by Live Nation Entertainment and Madonna’s longtime manager, Guy Oseary.

“Madonna was an Original,” said Richard Corman. “No one at that time had the look, the talent and the relentless attitude and fortitude to move her style forward at all costs. These images [represent] her fearlessness and charismatic bravado that to this day credits her with changing the course of Pop Culture.”

Madonna: A Transformational Exhibition is now open at W Mexico City and will make month-long stops at W Singapore – Sentosa Cove on October 20, W Paris – Opera on November 14 and W Bangkok, W Hong Kong and W New York – Times Square later this year.

Thanks to Kevin and Alex.