The success of Happy singer Pharrell Williams shows no sign of slowing down. The singer, who’s new album G I R L is this years fastest selling album in the UK charts, has unveiled a new art exhibition of the same name in a Galerie Perrotin in Paris.
The 41-year-old (yes, we can’t believe it either), collaborated with gallery owner and art dealer Emmanuel Perrotin to create an exhibition that celebrates femininity, female creativity, love and freedom. This week Pharrell attended the launch of G I R L, which showcases 40 pieces from 32 artists, including 10 that were specially commissioned for the exhibition. He said: “Just like my album, what I tried to do is offer many different facets of my appreciation for women… I love women everywhere. I make no apologies for the wide spectrum of affinity for women.”
One of the highlights is a circular piece by Takashi Murakami, which is a portrait of Pharrell and his wife, Helen Lasichanh. It incorporates a photo of the couple, taken by Terry Richardson, and a backdrop of retro flowers. Model and fashion designer Helen is also the mother of their five-year-old son, Rocket Man Williams – coolest kid’s name, ever.
Other prominent works include Yoko Ono’s Cut Piece, 1964, a still photograph from a performance where the audience was invited to cut her clothes, and an image for Pharrell’s new single, Lost Queen, depicting the singer as Napoleon Bonaparte in Egypt.
Though the exhibition has been well received by most, some critics say that it doesn’t achieve its goal. The ratio of 18 female artists to 19 male artists has left a sour taste in some critics’ mouths, seeing as the point of the showcase is to celebrate female creativity. The use of a nude photograph by Terry Richardson has also sparked further negative reviews.
Love him or hate him, it seems that Pharrell has plenty to be ‘happy’ about.
Image: Getty
