This, of course, leads to the hypothesis that it is only because Madonna takes herself seriously as an artist, that we do as well. I mean, let’s face it, when Madonna first came onto pop culture stage in 1983 did it seem like she was trying to convince the world of her artistry? Hardly. Madonna’s antics in both her visuals and in her interviews was playful and flirtatious. She certainly didn’t hide the fact that she had struggled in New York before breaking into the scene, but you sensed from Madonna that she had felt all her hard work was worth it so that she could have some fun with us. I’ve read some essays where scholars have analyzed her "Burning Up" video, and called it a pro-feminist statement because Madonna ends up in the driver’s seat at the end. I’ve always rolled my eyes at such analysis because I seriously doubt Madonna was thinking to herself when she made the video: "Hmmm…what feminist metaphor do I wish to use here in order to confirm that I am a strong woman?" Madonna was just trying to have fun, that’s all, open and shut case.

By the time 1984 rolled around (before the debut of the "Like A Virgin" album), Madonna already had several different reviews and commentaries done on her videos, image, music, and work. Most of the commentaries at that time were in the vain of Madonna being fun, sexual, and inviting…but hardly a legitimate artist. Instead, critics looked to Bruce Springsteen, Michael Jackson, Cindy Lauper, David Bowie, or Boy George for pop artists who seemed to have something serious to say (even though, most of the time, that wasn’t necessarily the case). This, in my opinion, is where the change in Madonna took place. It was during this time (after the "Madonna"/debut album, and pre-"Like A Virgin" album) that Madonna wanted to be taken seriously, and therefore, began to view herself as an artist.

I’m not sure if the shift in Madonna came as a reaction to the consistent dismissal of her as a legit, or, if Madonna knew that in order for her to be remembered forever, she had to make a bigger impact. Either way, with "Like A Virgin", she began to make imagery and statements which would be more controversial and have a larger effect on the pop culture pendulum. In interviews, she began to describe Jesus as sexy (a jaw dropping statement to say the least), and she dedicated her album to "all the virgins of the world" (a wonderfully naughty statement, but hardly one which made moms happy with her). In her video for the title track, she wore a wedding dress, yet, at the same time made sure there was no doubt that she was hardly a virgin at all. With such titillation, Madonna had many people offended by her, confused by her, or absolutely in love with her. Either way, she was being talked about on a grander scale. She was making her mark in the history books. She was setting the ground for becoming an icon.

With all the furor and talk that came out of her "Like A Virgin" project, I think that Madonna finally began to realize the impression she could potentially have on the world. Madonna has said in several interviews that she never expected to have the sort of impact on the world that she did, which in one sense, I believe. But, in another sense, I don’t. I think that Madonna saw the sort of significance she could have with her name, and rode that wave for as long as she could ride it. I don’t think she knew the wave (which is still going strong) was going to last for so long though. So, a more accurate statement from Madonna would be that she had no idea she was going to have such a long-lasting impact on the world. And, that long-lasting impact, has strengthened the view of Madonna as an artist.

Madonna has also said that she never tried to manipulate the public or the media. She has said that she simply goes with what she feels, and that is how she creates her work. Here again, I agree and disagree. Madonna’s instincts musically and visually may come from somewhere in her gut so to speak, but at the same time, they come from a place where she feels as if she is a legitimate artist trying to leave an imprint on the world. While some musical artists create for the sake of creating, this is not the case with Madonna. Madonna creates so that she can be remembered. Madonna creates so that she is seen as not just a singer, but a legend. Madonna creates so that when she goes to sleep at night, she knows that people are talking about her, no matter what. Are these the signs of a thirsty artist, or a desperate one? I’m not sure.

When most people think of artists, they think of originality. Madonna is the furthest thing from original. Madonna copies and borrows from other singers, actors, cultures, subcultures, photographers, painters, etc. all the time. Hell, she’s even been sued for blatantly copying images from an artist without giving due credit (e.g. the "Hollywood" video controversy).