http://stars.zaobao.com/pages4/guofucheng061129.html
http://www.udn.com/2006/11/28/NEWS/ENTERTAINMENT/ENT8/3623522.shtml
Leslie has spent 3 years working on this Superstars project to showcase the best of Asia to the world. With a vision to break the primitive mould of Asian beauty, Leslie has presented the world with some of the most beautiful photographs of these Asian celebrities. I was amazed to see some rather daring poses of these actors but they were so tastefully done, I would have been extremely proud of them.
However, two actors have come out recently saying that they had no idea that those photos will be used, even though the major photo is question of Aaron Kwok was digitally remastered. Aaron is apparently furious and so is Andy Hui, who is a close friend of Leslie's too. Aaron Kwok claimed that he wore black underwear for the photoshoot and the original is also enclosed in the book. However, the one used in the exhibition was the remastered, and caused quite a furore.
Knowing Leslie, he would never do such a thing especially since he is now a famous photographer, so I quickly sent him an email to show my love and support. I was greeted back by a newspaper article from him clearing his name. Apparently, Aaron's manager suggested remastering the original photo so that Aaron didn't have to disrobe for the photographic suggestion that Leslie made. However, she is denying vehemently now, saying that it does not match with Aaron's image.
http://stars.zaobao.com/pages4/guofucheng061130.html
What does not fit with one's image? It's not like they are portrayed as virgins anymore. It would be sick if they still are because he is a man in his 40s. If it was badly doctored or taken, then I can understand why someone can be upset (case in point: Paparrazzi showing Britney with her legs apart with no undies, hence exposing her privates), but if this is really a piece of art, why can't they be a little more gracious? Maybe someone can have a look at the photo and tell me if this is racy?
How can we break out of our mould if we don't live outside the box? Leslie has taken his one year experience in NY and is trying to achieve something refreshing in our Asian market, only to be met with negative publicity from prudes, who scream at the sight of pubes. How will free expression and breakthroughs happen if we keep building fences for ourselves?
Even though I am not a celebrity, I had once shed all inhibitions and taken some art nude photos as a 30th birthday present for myself. Since I will not remain young forever, I wanted some good photographic proof my youth. I have not regretted a minute because I was careful about the photographer and I was certain that he was not going to exploit the opportunity. If we are all clear about how the photos are going to be used (or not), then we can all work in a safe environment. Trust the photographer and he will bring the beauty out of you ...
Since this is also a charity project, where proceeds will go to the victims of the Asian tsunami, I am disappointed that Leslie's hard work and generosity had garnered such negative publicity. Still, coming from a marketing perspective, no publicity is bad publicity, so let's hope that this will have the double effect of widening our perspectives and also selling more copies. Extra note: This edition of "Superstars" has a limited run of 7000 copies or so.
Leslie has opened exhibitions in Tokyo and HK, and still has Singapore and another Asian country (I can't remember which one) to tour. You can purchase it when he is there or from any major Japanese bookstore in your country. If you want to purchase a copy online with Leslie's signature, please visit my good friend, Ryan's blog to order your copy online - Buy Superstars At KatoonBaby
Leslie, no matter what anyone says, I believe in you and you will always have my love and support!! Carry on your inspirational work!
7 comments:
i also have been following this for a week... i personally find it hard to believe that aaron and andy didn't know about how the pictures would turn out.. i think they are all trying to take advantage of this to help boost their failing singing career.. if anything.. i think aaron is too skinny now and wonder if he is healthy.. compared to Roman Tam's pics over 30 years ago, these are nothing.. these hk male celebrities are all crying little babies... the so-called nude pics, we see this during daytime soap in north america tv
You are so right, Jack. I did see one of his other promotional shots and I think he should be more horrified that one of them was used. It showed him in air while his body looked so scrawny like those you would find in 3rd world countries.
This is what one has to sacrifice to get the six pack showing. One of my friends read an article once that said that the models basically starved themselves before a photo shoot so that the six pack would look more defined.
Back to this, it is now reported that Aaron does not intend to sue and that he was just ... "shocked". He said that he would be happy to collaborate with Leslie in future if the opportunity arises.
James, you know, these celebrities would do anything, anything to get publicity and media coverage when they are no longer that popular.. sometimes, they would do this at the expense of other people's reputation.. which is very sad..now they got what they wanted, ie front page coverage in the entertainment section.. mission accomplished.. they need to think of other tricks to be back in the spotlight again..
Hi Jack,
You are right. It's sad when they stoop to those levels. Why do you think Britney is doing what she's doing?
Coming from a Marketing perspective yourself, isn't it true that "No publicity is bad publicity"?
Hi Ryan,
Yes, it's sad when we are afraid of the media and allow them to rule our worlds. Look at the support the true "Axis of Evil" drummed up for the Iraq war.
We saw all the horrors of the Vietnam War but why didn't we see photos of the civilian casualties in Iraq? That is because it has become a quasi-monopoly of a few big right winged players who decide what they want to bring to the forefront, and be our gatekeepers. We need to be brave to breakthrough!!! Keep on fighting!!
Thank you very much for giving me the link to that website. Without you I would never have been able to order a copy of that book.
Thank you very much.
You are most welcome. Everyone should buy the book to support to unfortunate. After all, we will all be going a good deed as well!
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