No, it's not AI: How to step inside this surrealist artwork
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For Adrien Broom's "Dreamscape" portraits, she creates otherworldly installations then poses subjects within them. In this self-portrait from a previous year, Broom is spotted in black, and gallery owner Martine Chaisson is in pink. Photo: Courtesy of Adrien Broom
Much of fine art photographer Adrien Broom's work focuses on imaginative, surrealist creations that seem like a fantasy.
Why it matters: For a brief time, you can step inside them for yourself in New Orleans.
Zoom in: Broom is taking over a ballroom inside the Martine Chaisson Gallery from Oct. 9-22, transforming it into a life-size installation where, for a fee, you can become part of the artwork.
- This year's theme, Broom tells Axios New Orleans, revolves around a deconstructed painting.
- It'll be framed by an "insanely intricately carved frame with Renaissance dolphins and sphinx and florals," she says, and a landscape scene will fill the background and bleed out of its edges.
- Then, Broom will work with her human subjects to create custom portraits by exploring the space.
The intrigue: Because everything for the tableau is new, she'll see the results in real time as it's constructed.
- "It's a cool and very stressful process, sometimes, as art is usually," she laughs.
Catch up quick: Broom started this series seven years ago after brainstorming ideas on how to bring her collectors more directly into the work.
- Though she has since brought the idea to other cities, she always debuts new installations in New Orleans.
How it works: The photo sessions last 90 minutes, Broom says, and cost $2,950 for up to five people.
- You need to arrive with any hair and makeup styling complete. For an add-on, you can work with a stylist, too.
