The Met Gala 2019: A Celebration of Camp and the Subversion of Taste

The Met Gala 2019: A Celebration of Camp and the Subversion of Taste

“Camp,” a word often shrouded in mystery and subjective interpretation, stormed into the mainstream consciousness in 2019 with the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s annual Costume Institute Gala. This extravagant affair, dubbed “Camp: Notes on Fashion,” served as a platform to explore the aesthetics and cultural significance of this oft-misunderstood phenomenon.

The exhibition itself, curated by Andrew Bolton, delved into the history of camp, tracing its roots from 18th-century European courts through the avant-garde movements of the 20th century. It showcased an eclectic array of artifacts – from theatrical costumes and avant-garde fashion designs to paintings, sculptures, and even films – illustrating the playful subversion of norms and expectations inherent in camp aesthetics.

But it was on the red carpet that “camp” truly came alive. Celebrities embraced the theme with gusto, donning ensembles that were both outrageous and exquisitely crafted.

Billy Porter, the Tony Award-winning actor, stole the show with his entrance – carried aloft on a velvet litter by six shirtless men, adorned in a golden sun god-inspired ensemble complete with dramatic feathered wings. Lady Gaga’s performance art-meets-fashion moment, involving four outfit changes culminating in a sparkly pink thong bodysuit and platform boots, captivated the world.

The Met Gala 2019 sparked widespread debate about the nature of camp itself. Some critics argued that the event trivialized and commercialized a nuanced artistic concept. Others celebrated it as a joyful celebration of self-expression and the breaking down of conventional barriers.

Regardless of one’s stance on camp, there’s no denying that the Met Gala 2019 left an indelible mark on popular culture. It propelled the term “camp” into mainstream lexicon, sparking discussions about taste, irony, and the blurring lines between high art and popular entertainment.

The Deeper Meaning Behind “Camp”: Subverting Expectations

So, what exactly is camp? Susan Sontag’s seminal essay “Notes on ‘Camp’” (1964) provides a starting point for understanding this complex aesthetic. She describes camp as “the sensibility of artificiality,” characterized by:

  • Exaggeration and Artificiality: Camp thrives on excess, pushing boundaries with theatrical gestures, over-the-top embellishments, and flamboyant presentations.

  • Irony and Self-Awareness: Camp often employs irony and humor to comment on societal norms and expectations, playfully subverting them through exaggeration and incongruity.

  • Aesthetic Pleasure in the “Bad”: Camp finds beauty in the unconventional, the kitsch, and even the seemingly “bad taste,” embracing elements that might be considered tacky or outlandish by traditional standards.

It’s important to remember that camp is subjective and open to interpretation. What one person considers campy another might find merely flamboyant or gaudy. This inherent ambiguity contributes to camp’s enduring appeal, allowing it to evolve and adapt across different cultural contexts and generations.

From Oscar Wilde to Elton John: Camp Icons through History

Camp has a long and rich history, influencing art, literature, fashion, and music for centuries. Some notable figures who have embraced and embodied camp include:

  • Oscar Wilde: The 19th-century playwright and poet was renowned for his flamboyant wit, elaborate attire, and transgressive lifestyle, challenging Victorian social norms with his theatrical persona.

  • Andy Warhol: The Pop Art icon celebrated the mundane and the mass-produced, blurring the lines between high art and popular culture with his iconic images of soup cans and celebrities.

  • David Bowie: The legendary musician constantly reinvented himself through bold fashion choices, extravagant stage performances, and genre-bending music, embodying a spirit of playful theatricality and gender fluidity.

  • Elton John: Known for his flamboyant costumes, outrageous eyewear, and energetic performances, Elton John brought camp to the forefront of mainstream pop music.

The Legacy of “Camp” Beyond the Met Gala

While the 2019 Met Gala served as a powerful moment in contemporary culture’s embrace of camp, its influence extends far beyond that single event.

The concept of camp continues to inspire artists, designers, and performers today. Its emphasis on self-expression, irony, and challenging conventions resonates deeply with our increasingly complex and interconnected world.

As we navigate a future characterized by rapid technological advancements, shifting social norms, and ongoing debates about identity and representation, the spirit of camp can offer a valuable lens for examining and understanding these complexities. By embracing the playful subversion of expectations, camp encourages us to question assumptions, celebrate difference, and find beauty in the unexpected.