Come Down "The Path Of Misery"

If you happen to stop by on Mexico City around The Day of The Dead don´t forget to visit Marilyn Manson´s fine art only at Antiguo Colegio de San Ildefonso, one of the pinnacles of modern mexican art.

The exhibition entitled "The Path Of Misery" features a series of 30 watercolors from different eras and it opens to the public on November 4th 2011 and will remain until February 5th 2012.

The source: http://www.marilynmansonmexico.com awesome and complete website created by the staff of 212 Productions brings us this one of a kind event that has already been held on other countries such as Austria and Greece under different names with incredible success.

Are you an art lover and a hardcore Manson fan, here´s your chance!

Thanks to 212 Productions for the information!

Follow on Twitter:

@MMansonMexico

@museoacsi

@212Productions

1996

It was 1996, my first year of college. I was studying Industrial Design. I wanted to continue Graphic Design at a more affordable school but that's all they had available where I lived. My leisure time was very much occupied by devouring hours of endless entertaiment on cable and especially on MTV with no real friends and writing dark fairy tales to compensate my depression. 

Yes, indeed it was a transitional period for me and during this time I also had to face the fact that I was in a broken home and my grandparents took me in after surviving a painful divorce. And it so happened that I discovered something that would bring me comfort and unleash my imagination.

I don't recall the date but it must have been around the fall when I had the opportunity to buy the cassette tape known as Antichrist Superstar. My heart was racing the first time I bought it because of its uber satanic nature of the cover and yet I embraced it with the curiosity of a child.

The unexpected part of all this however was that its chaotic sound was so soothing that I always felt a strange filling of calmness, a sort of talisman that would help me deal with all the nightmares. This wasn't the very first time I ran into Manson, actually the first tracks I ever listened to where from the 1994's Portrait Of An American Family which I borrowed from a friend of my brother.

And as the sane world, if there was such a thing had trouble digesting this new record another event took place as it became mainstream on MTV. This helped Antichrist Superstar build a soild fanbase and a handful of curious people who did nothing but spread over the top rumors around Marilyn Manson´s persona. Some said he removed his ribs, others claimed he was the child actor Paul from The Wonders Years, others said he sacrificed animals and did rituals in every single concert.

Others saw in this band a potential threat, yet another chance to blame teenage violence on this eerie music and dark lyrics, an opportunity for angry Christians to make it easier to blame everything on the Antichrist, as if it were so simple an evident. Manson flamboyantly counterattacked with cleverly built speeches claiming that although he had contact with the likes of the deceased leader of the Satanic Church, Mr. Anton La Vey it was more of a personal philospohy, a transformation into a stronger being rather than a helpless pathetic little Wormboy. Art, in the end.

The media however began to notice the effects of this provocateur who was just reprising the days of David Bowie, KISS and good old Alice Cooper and while Mr. Manson saw no big harm isolated incidents such as the death of a teenager who committed suicide while listening to "The Reflecting God" contributed to stir the controversy of the negative effects of shock rock.

Progressively the music industry censored or undertoned what artists were publishing, not to mention rap music which was plagued by violence, hate and misogyny.

"Someone had to go this far" Man That You Fear, MM.

Did Manson go too far or push some very sensitive buttons with this album? Of course. By the time Mechanical Animals was released in 1998 the days of the Antichrist fell into a hiatus to make way for an androgynous alien which seemed incredibly odd but with a more welcoming aesthetic and thus it would be a happily ever after...right? right?

Not exactly, it seemed that a major incident ocurred back in 1999 following a brutal massacre at Columbine High School, perpetrated by two students alienated from society who presumably were avid followers of Manson and killed in his name. Although nothing was proven, let's remember that this was an age old argument that goes back all the way to the 50s when rock n' roll seemed to become a nuissance it did bring a scar to the Manson family and became a turning point in their career.

What it did leave us with, on the other hand is a reminder that rock n' roll it's not just about the headbanging, it's also about entertainment and what better way that bringing back the theatricality that it lost when the grunge era was in vogue and something big had to fill in the void that Kurt Cobain left.

But does it still hold up after all these years? The answer is yes, it continues to shock but in a much more richer way.

You see, when you're seventeen it's completely normal to comprehend this album but when you reached a certain age it becomes more of an object of study.

I know that there have been many things written, from analysis to interpretations about Antichrist Superstar struggling to find hidden answers and meanings in its Occult nature or some kind of symbolisms but I prefer to see the way it is; it's just art, it doesn't mean anything in particular unless you want it.

I lent to my dad a tape I made of Marilyn Manson because he grew curious about this fellow and somehow tried to bond with me listening to the music and to this day I remember he said, "Well, this sounds pretty much like poetry, satanic poetry, if you will, but yes poetry in the end."

Saturday Night Synchtube!

Mark your calendars! October 8th will be Antichrist Superstar´s 15 anniversary, so just for fun we´re throwing a Synchtube party at 9:30 PM Central Time.

Check the following Synchtube room for more information:  http://www.synchtube.com/r/Magenta

the password is: manson

11/11/11

Bored, no reason, some here´s more fan art. Even though the lion was just in one scene in "Born Villain" he still deserves some credit.

BTW, there´s some buzz around Manson FB fans that something really exciting will happen on 11/11/11.

THE BORN VILLAIN REVIEW TIME!

Holy, The God Of Fuck must be truly pissed off at some audiencies. His latest work cleverly named "No Reason" turns out to be some some kind of mockery targeted to Hollywood and the mainstream. In an era where its seems that nothing is shocking anymore, where we're being constantly fed YouTube memes and all sorts of trends no matter how badly they want to stay they die soon the same way that a firefly does.

Yet Manson manages to somehow fight back with this clip/short film directed by Shia La Beouf, yes, the Transformers dude, you heard it (mind you, not your regular MTV material) that gives an introduction to the concept of the 8th studio album dubbed "Born Villain."

In order to create the suspense they launched a campaign a few months ago which involved invading the streets of L.A. plastering the Born Villain image which is presumably the new album cover. Furthermore Marilyn Manson conducted a private screening of the short film on August 28th at the L.A. Silent Theatre and the art book Campaign, (a new strategy or publicity stunt, maybe?) which some locals labeled as "random street art." In MM's terms it sounds more like a smart propaganda.

MM has had a great love affair with the avant garde, such as Dadaism, Expressionism and Surrealism all of which have things or elements in common.

The imagery of the film reprises things already covered in 2003's "The Golden Age Of Grotesque" and even "Phantasmagoria". Although it couldn't be labeled as innovative, more like flirting with the past avant garde movements and the decadence of Weimar Berlin, it still contained something new.

In the companion DVD "Doppleherz", which was also a short film MM introduced us to the new era at the ending credits quoting

The film offers no explanation, nor needs one. Many thanks to those who helped make this, the beginning, not an end, to the most amazing era of Marilyn Manson. 

For those who aren't hardcore fans, MM worked on a parallel movie project called "Phantasmagoria: the Visions of Lewis Carroll" which was to be thought of as a fetaure length film featuring veteran artists such as Tilda Swinton and Angelina Jolie. Although those names were shuffled in the creative process what remained only of what was to be his opera prima as a film director is a footage that was canned last year. It included MM starring as the writer and Lily Cole as Alice.

A lot of speculation rose since early production circa 2005; it was implied that other minor characters such as Alice In Wonderland's Tweedledee and Tweedledum but Manson suggested that these would be females instead furthermore that they would be involved in explicit sexual scenes with each other.

"I'm going to do a lot of things that may end up being illegal. Until they are, I will do them. I think it will change people's opinion about horror films and they will realize they're not all about slasher [...] I might add that the girls playing Tweedledum and Tweedledee are twins who get to have real, genuine sex with each other. I like to make dreams come true."

From Phantasmagoria, a similar scene is featured in "Born Villain."

I won´t analyze frame by frame just the most relevant and shocking, so let´s begin

THE ACTS

Traditionally Greek play were all divided into three acts, consisting of the beginning, the middle and the end. Later on they were developed into four or five acts.

INTRO.

In the opening sequence Marilyn Manson dons the role of the Alchemist seen in The Holy Mountain with slight variations and underneath a eerie background music and illumination.

The following sequence presents an old  man and a child watching TV in an empty room and seems that it might not be that far from the truth, almost autobiographical (see Jack Warner, The Long Hard Road Out Of Hell) The kid, which some goddamn reason reminds me of the character of Gelsomina in Fellini´s La Strada about to receive an intense lesson of perversion. Two naked women sit blind folded in an operating table.


ACT I (A revolver with an embedded crucifix on top of the Roman numeral I)

Besides the obvious Macbeth quote I really preferred to explore the visuals that accompany it.

Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player,That struts and frets his hour upon the stage,And then is heard no more. It is a tale Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,It signifies nothing.

A man deposits his left eye in Manson´s hand pretty much the same way like in the Luis Buñuel film Un Chien Andalou, this scene is also familiar with one of The Holy Mountain where an old man gives up the eye as well to a prostitute little girl while walking outside the church.


Because these films are in a way tied with the surrealism movement Manson has already given us a hint that the album has no explanation of whatsoever, in a few words, it means nothing, unless you want it of course, complete with the chorus,


NO, NO, NO, NO, REASON!


ACT II ( A flashing picture of a lamb on top of the Roman numeral II)

Come, you spirits that tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here,And fill me from the crown to the toe topful Of direst cruelty!

Another quote from Macbeth, Lady Macbeth to be exact.  A robust woman caresses a man with no legs, or could also be interpreted as a dwarf, which is also a concept of the Shakespearian tragedy.

So yeah, in the next scene Manson violently passes a hook through MissCrash´s cheek and prepares her to be hanged carrying the "eye" and "implanting" it into her sex. Most of these surgical devices resemble the ones featured in Gottfried Helnwein´s pictures, another artist who collaborated with the singer back "The Golden Age Of Grotesque."

At the same time, as some form of ritual Manson sets himself on fire with a simple candle. Hmm, don´t try that part at home, kiddies.

the rape of Persephone was choreographed by all the wrong Greeksthe rape of Persephone was a marketing scheme
rape, rape, rape Persephonerape, rape, rape Persephone rape, rape, rape Persephone rape, rape, rape Persephone

a reference to Greek mythology, of course. However the theme of abduction has been covered in Manson´s film Doppleherz already.

Siamese twins are seen or conjoined by the spine abducted in the middle of the night, courtesy of Manson and his evil posse and while nothing happens in the end the girl are treated as mere freaks while in Born Villain they only tied and blindfolded.

Scene from "Doppleherz"

Brunette and Blonde

MissCrash hangs by the knees like a vulgar piece of steak in the market, cruelty, or just for the fun of it?

ACT III ( a burning cross on top of the Roman numeral III)

Manson carries a revolver with a cross embedded to it as he recites a passage from The Bible:

The wages of sin is death. Nothing in his life became him like the leaving it

as he kills the dirty old man, thus setting the child free, justice is served.

I, can never leave I, can never leave

the rest is just a repetition of the perverted imagery you saw in the previous acts.

But does this entire pastiche of extreme visual torture mean anything? Why should it, why would there be an explanation?

In the inmortal words of Tristan Tzara, one of the founding fathers of Dada:

DADA DOES NOT MEAN ANYTHING.
If we consider it futile, and if we don't waste our time over a word that doesn't mean anything...

After watching "NO REASON" two or three times the shocking imagery is already implanted into your unconscious, not quite as a subliminal message yet only as something provocative.

The Villain Is Back In Town!

Ladies and gentlemen, the wait is officially over as Marilyn Manson´s newest video has been leaked TO-DAY and the song is called "No Reason".

Although it might be a little bit too early to jump to any reviews, furthermore any conclusions, for this we would need to pay your total attention.

First scene opens with the initial sequence of an acclaimed cult film "The Holy Mountain" by Alejandro Jodorowsky, who also happens to be one of Manson´s greatest influences. If you still haven´t seen the 1973 movie, go watch it now! 

Second, you might also check out the canned trailer of "Phantasmagoria:The Visions Of Lewis Carroll" that was leaked last year and it´s available on MM´s site so that means the comparisons are going to be more than obvious and uncomfortable.

Once again, dipped in symbolism, movie references, a new philosophy that will keep your head spinning and thirsty for more. However, due to the nature of this video viewer discretion is advised. Anyone below 18 please leave the room and if you didn´t do it...HOORAY FOR YOU!

Enjoy.

Below the "Phantasmagoria" trailer.

So what does the Ponyvillain have to say about this?

Miss Crash Posts Born Villain Propganda!

Whoa, this Campaign thing is being taken very seriously! This pic was uploaded by MissCrash, one of the stars  featured in "Born Villain"

Also, Manson has updated his Journal section for the book signing with Shia: http://marilynmanson.com/2011/born-villain-signing/

MORE AND MORE CAMPAIGN EVIDENCE.

Check at 0:45

About Campaign And Other Famous Campaigns

If you haven´t had the chance to take a look at and analyze the The Campaign Book page you may be missing many things well worth looking at .

The posters of the film of Marilyn Manson Born Villain were distributed by various strategic spots in West Hollywood, his "neighborhood" so to speak. Some sites recognized are the Chateau Marmont, one of the most exclusive and luxurious hotels where many stars gather, as it  is seen in the following picture:

But beyond the places where the image of Manson was distributed  we came to think that may well have had a bit of inspiration in the so-called street art, made popular by some artists like Banksy and Shepard Fairey, just to name a few.

The Art Of Shepard Fairey.

Perhaps you are familiar with the image of political propaganda used unofficially the current President Barack Obama with the legend "HOPE." These illustrations made by Fairey, the U.S. also had a strong influence in the campaign of 2008 that were hailed by major critics consider "the most effective U.S. policy illustration from UNCLE SAM WANTS YOU."

Although the message suffered during the election period several changes in name, as CHANGE, PROGRESS, as official propaganda was not yet won the respect of the newly elected president of the United States in February 2008. The original portrait was acquired by the National Portrait Gallery and is part of its permanent collection since 2009.

But Fairey has won many awards, has risked many times as any street performer and has been applied for many jobs, from album covers to advertising for films such as Walk The Line, with Joaquin Phoenix. Before HOPE became popular from his college years in Rhode Island he crafted the OBEY image inspired by the actor Andre The Giant as a stencil using its front face.

Although the combination of the word OBEY, and the image of Andre the Giant do not have a particular meaning, as the artist does have a purpose to cause a strong reaction in the viewer.

Other examples.

Campaign possibly influenced by the art of Shepard Fairey? 

Well the saying goes, "most imitated never equaled," and while comparisons are odious there are some curious similarities between this advertising campaign with street art Manson in the end it borders on vandalism being placed on other sites that are beyond the context of his music.

Original Image.

The photo included, clearly a group of nuns, which appear to be identical rifles are "ready" for battle. If we go back in time Manson had presented similar images in the album artwork of Hollywood: In The Shadow Of The Valley Of Death.

So far we ignore the meaning behind these graphics of MM , although they have every intention of hitting like a tidal wave, mission accomplished. 

They may continue to represent the ideals that have been followed to the letter throughout his career, from the attack on Christianity by the search for new ideals, as it is and as it has been mentioning in the theme of your page CMYK: Christianity  Manufactures Yesterday's Killers.

Here is another graphic with a common element of Shepard Fairey that has the primary intention of the anti-consumerism message, and peace above all things.

Second point of comparison: the image of the poster in front of Born Villain.

Fairey´s OBEY.

Other Comparisons.

It´s a common resource that the spectator or the surroundings interact with street art most of the time in order to place it in some sort of concept.

In the words of Manson, Shia La Beouf's henchman insisted in spreading this image anywhere regardless border on vandalism and this time it was Manson's face.

But going back to the days of Nazi propaganda we find an example close to these concepts.

It´s true that many times the rocker has been considered something like the icon will shock rock, but is this a  colossal effort to redefine his image had already been heavily criticized in 2009 after allegedly failed The High End of Low?

A Marquee.

Guess where this came from. I told you we´d stay up all night to snatch this from Steve Coy´s pics.

The Villain Is Home...

Cool, the surprises keep coming as Manson just moments ago linked the image of Born Villain www.marilynmanson.com, replacing the extract from the video I Am Among No One so stay very still! 


The video for I Am Among No One can still be located in the Art section.The amazing thing is that the image has better resolution and good size to start toying with it.

THE CAMPAIGN BOOK!

Oh, we got exciting news just a few hours ago about the project "Born Villain" which effectively is more than a fancy title; it´s an album and a book and so much more, courtesy of Shia La Beouf and Marilyn Manson. It promises to stir things up, it also comes with its own website at:

http://www.thecampaignbook.com

It has an amazing gallery full of pics that supposedely announce the launch of "Born Villain". In Marilyn Manson´s own words:

You can even now purchase the "Campaign" book online, what are you waiting for?????

Marelyn Manson is growing impatient and wants to see "Born Villain" soon...

MORE BORN VILLAIN EVIDENCE!

Muahaha! Fred Sablan has uploaded a new "villain" pic:

Stay tuned on Sunday!!!!

This Note Is Truly Wicked!

Muahaha! Guess what? The origin of these mystery Manson images belong to a brand new short film entitled "Born Villain" starring Marilyn Manson directed by "that Transformers kid", Shia LeBoeuf and it is said to contain parts of the new album and the creative process.

The full note came from this interview with Chris Vrenna, another mastermind in MM´s troops:

http://www.angelfire.com/rock/e4/vrenna.html

But, oh sorry kiddies, you´ll have to hold on to your hats for the new album until 2012, or so they say, however keep your eye peeled on these websites:

http://www.bornvillain.com/

http://marilynmanson.com/

Thanks to my Latin American buddy David at: http://laevidenciademarilynmanson.blogspot.com/

More Born Villain Evidence!

So I found this pic which source was Fred Sablan´s own Facebook page, and we´re SO naughty we nabbed it to show that the Born Villain concept is spreading to the streets!

Does the suspense kill you? Hold on until August 28th to find out.

You can go ahead and like the page: http://www.bornvillain.com/

Stay evil, muahahaha...

Wicked...

Hi, again, your imaginary host Marelyn Manson showing you something truly wicked, but the worst part is we don´t even know the intentions behind this sinister work of art by none other than Marilyn Manson. So enjoy for the moment, what a glorious teaser this is!

Hi there, this is your new imaginary pal Marelyn Manson speaking, no news from the big guy yet however it has come to my attention that he´s currently working with a girl who goes by the name Skylar Grey and that the new album will be heard any time now.

Until then, have some more of me, shameless self promotion.

Omega Pony Strikes Again!

This is another pony, Manson inspired creation from the Mechanical Animals era. You gotta love that outfit.

Here´s the original video:

Who says Rock Is Dead?

Ponies Rock!

More art , rock version!

CMYK Pony.

Some MM fan art while you wait for the new album. Browse the full gallery @ http://queen-alice.deviantart.com/

Marilyn Manson´s Art is coming to México!!!

Yes, you heard right, after months and months of uncertainty, the wait is over. The best kept secret was revealed via Facebook a few hours we will soon have http://www.facebook.com/212ProductionsPage in Mexico City the pride of seeing the exhibition of paintings of Mr. Manson, now as a plastic artist (name to be confirmed), which has already successfully introduced last year in Athens, Greece.


The exhibition consists of recent works and previous years and will be open on November 5 2011.If you´re  a Manson fan go to see this incredible series of works, which have an influence of Expressionist and Surrealism.


Visit MM´s online gallery: http://marilynmanson.com/art/paintings/


Prepare for the unexpected.

Mouth For War, MM.

The Omega Pony

Moar My Little Pony inspired art! This is a tribute to the Mechanical Animals era, Omega.

Some fan art I found. My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic is become a notorious animated series on the web that it's now considered an internet meme, if not check: http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/subcultures/my-little-pony-friendship-is-magic

CMYK Cross: Welcome To The New Era

We welcome Marilyn Manson to the dawn of a new era which still lacks a name but it has an amazing new symbol with old familiar concepts.

1. SWASTIKA REVISITED

Four stylized M´s compose this swastika-like cross (mind you, not to compare with the Nazi version) and each has been assigned a particular color. However only two of these M´s has a symbol similar to the trigram attached to it. This is called the trigram of Li which of the eight symbols of the Bagua (see I Ching). It is equivalent to the element of fire, rapid movement and radiance.

LI is the Trigram of Fire. The light that gives all things their brilliance. It signifies attachment and passion. It symbolizes glory, fame and high capacity, also war, arms and drought. Its organ is the eye. Li is the middle daughter of Earth and Heaven. The trigram appears two times possibly highlighting MM and duality, which has been a long time obsession of Manson.

Fire is both destructive but it also makes way for new things to be born. Death and rebirth is a well known concept observed in many cultures, even in modern religions.

Casually, it is believed that the origin of the swastika goes way back to Prehistoric Europe when it was compared with the "sun wheel":

Also the cross represents the number 4, as in the four sacred elements, such as earth, wind, fire and water.

This new MM cross bears similarities with the Slavic symbol named The Hands Of God or kolovrat which comes from mythology and created in honor of the Sun God Svarog. To the Slavs this swastika was meant to be a magic sign manifesting the power of the sun and fire.

Where these symbols meant for evil and hatred? Hell no.

2. THE NUMBER FOUR.

Consider that this number has several meanings. The most common that come to mind are earth, wind, fire and water, the four cardinal points (north, south, east, west), the four elements that compose life (CHON or Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen), four seasons, the four phases of the moon, yet we could also take a look at the spiritual meaning.

In astrology and other forms of divination 4 represents stability, balance, security, determination and construction.

In Tarot the 4 is given to The Emperor Card:

What is interesting however is that the opposite meaning of this card is being stubborn, too practical, closed minded, archaic.

In numerology, Manson´s own birth date can be easily reduced to 4:

January 5 1969 or:

1, 5, 1969


1 + 5 + 1+ 9 + 6 + 9 =  31


3 + 1 = 4

Currently there are also four members in the band:  Marilyn Manson, Jeordie White, Fred Sablan and Chris Vrenna.

The number can also be found on this current year:

2011,


2 + 0 + 1 + 1 = 4

The other four that are being represented are CMYK.

3. CMYK

When hovering over the black and white version of the cross it looks like this:

Black, monochromatic version

CMYK version

To designers and photographers and related CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black) is the terminology used for color composition in printing, opposed to the RGB (Red, Green, Blue) which compose all the colors in nature and video screens.

CMYK is also used as an anagram, as seen in a portion of Marilyn Manson´s journal:

Christianity

Manufactures

Yesterday´s

Killers

As a side note RGB is natural, CMYK is man made, colors that have been manufactured for you, colors suggest feelings so you might as well associate with any forms of artificial entertainment, conformity, conservatism, moral and artistic repression.

If these four elements represent modern society then the trigram of Li which represents fire could well be the force that ignites creativity.

A Tarot Card which stands for this force is The King Of Wands:

Many of the elements that compose The King Of Wands are related to fire, including his crown which resembles flames, its red robe and the salamanders, which were once believed to have the ability to walk on fire. The salamanders that are biting their own tail represent infinity and the never ending need to overcome all obstacles in order to become the people we want.

Illustration of a salamander from
The Story of Alchemy and the Beginnings of Chemistry

4. INTERPRETATIONS:

While we are still on the lookout for an explanation for this new era symbol some thoughts come to mind:

- Marilyn Manson has always challenged society in order to open minds and make way for new ways of thinking which clearly defines him as a modern philosopher whose teachings rest in his art and music.

- Art has also broken the rules for creativity and free thinking (i.e. the avant garde movements) and serves well as tool for the expression of the mind and soul, the triumph of art over a stale and obsolete society.

- In order to achieve this change one must not work alone but as a group and start a revolution, one that should always be willing to materialize new ideas and avoid falling into decadence and corruption of the soul.

- It´s the manifesto of a new era which main purpose is to reinvent society and tear down stigmas such as the swastika, among other things.