Work in progress by Cumbria based artist John Hall.
For more audio, video, project docurnentation, merch etc go to John's site at www.johnhallartist.com
Trump exemplifies the sound and physical expression of a particular kind of self regard. In the US its often seen in showbiz figures, here it's a characteristic of royalty and privilege. He channels others who share it of course..Eric Cartman and Hedda Hopper seem to constantly wrestle for the rights to control his voice and thought processes. But I saw another side to Trump in Tulsa. The triumphal - unaided - sip from the water glass, and then the casting down of the glass...here surely Trump was host to the preening, self-basted psyche of Brett Michaels? Here surely was a reference to Poison's ground-breaking video for "Every Rose has Its Thorn"?
Here is Greil Marcus describing Michaels in that same video...(just go with it, ok?)
"Though nothing is really happening, tension builds..the disdain on Michaels' face, in his walk, is precise and studied, a parody of every rock star swagger..The pose is too obvious. One more gesture is called for. Michaels is carrying a drink in a big paper cup; he tosses it against the wall. Theres no anger in his movement, merely contempt. In your minds eye you can glimpse the bottomless well. As in almost any video, symbolism is the currency, as the clenched fists symbolize self affirmation...the visible cameras that what youre seeing is important enough to be filmed..the meaning is equally plain; the star pIsses on his fans and they are blessed" Replace the glistening corndog fed face of Michaels with the sweaty human bullhorn that hangs from the front of Trumps head, and you've got yourselves a media studies project.
But I saw another side to Trump in Tulsa. The triumphal - unaided - sip from the water glass, and then the casting down of the glass...here surely Trump was host to the preening, self-basted psyche of Brett Michaels? Here surely was a reference to Poison's ground-breaking video for "Every Rose has Its Thorn"?
Here is Greil Marcus describing Michaels in that same video...(just go with it, ok?)
"Though nothing is really happening, tension builds..the disdain on Michaels'
face, in his walk, is precise and studied, a parody of every rock star swagger..The pose is too obvious. One more gesture is called for. Michaels is carrying a drink in a big paper cup; he tosses it against the wall. Theres no anger in his movement, merely contempt. In your minds eye you can glimpse the bottomless well. As in almost any video, symbolism is the currency, as the clenched fists symbolize self affirmation...the visible cameras that what youre seeing is important enough to be filmed..the meaning is equally plain; the star pIsses on his fans and they are blessed"
Replace the glistening corndog fed face of Michaels with the sweaty human bullhorn that hangs from the front of Trumps head, and you've got yourselves a media studies project.
And dont forget,,
Every rose has its thorn
Just like every night has its dawn.
Just like every cowboy sings his sad, sad song.