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Silk's avatar

I’m so glad I came across this —this is really an interesting conversation and there’s so many perspectives and even more to be said. It’s fascinating aswel to hear new opinions on such a complex and multifaceted topic. I believe there’s really a thin (and actually subjective) fine line between an artist complying with some external expectations to reach a wider audience —whom may have never been open to their art before— and changing one’s art according to societal expectations solely in order to reach fame and wealth. I’m still not sure exactly where I stand on this, but I definitely agree with your points thus far!

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sms's avatar

Thank you for reading it! I definitely think its a valid topic to talk about especially if anyone is interested in going into the creative industry. Being in it myself I had a lot of questions when researching this specific topic😄 I agree with you, the link is subjective im eager to see Nadia’s next step!

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MAR!O's avatar

Nadia Lee Cohen has worked with Kim endless times—for Kim’s personal projects and almost every SKIMS campaign—which is something not a lot of people have realized. Also, she’s behind Beyonce’s act i and ii visuals. I think by collaborating with public figures it has propelled her to mainstream media and she’ll have to choose her projects carefully to keep her indistinguishable and unique style.

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sms's avatar

I’m aware Nadia and Kim have collaborated many times before, especially for SKIMS and Kim’s personal projects, and I admire how she’s worked with other icons like Beyoncé.

My article wasn’t about her history of collaborations, but more about the risks of working with polarizing figures like Kim. While these projects bring Nadia mainstream visibility, they can overshadow her artistry, reducing it to part of a celebrity brand rather than being seen for its cultural critique. (as this project has gotten a lot of negative reactions)

It’s a tricky balance for any artist—maintaining authenticity while navigating the spotlight of controversial collaborations and thats what my article was trying to point out more. Perhaps I wasnt clear hahah!

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MAR!O's avatar

You were clear and don’t get me wrong I loved the article. I agree with you, what I meant to say is, that after seeing the online commentary, people have polarized opinions. People that are not familiar with Nadia’s work have negatively comment on the video, while people that are familiar with her work have shown great love. Which is the point that your making, these type of collaboration overshadow her artistry. What I slightly disagree is that these collaborations are “bad”. I think that Nadia’s work by nature is controversial and is intended to provoke an audience, which is exactly what she’s achieved with this collaboration. (Sorry for yapping lmao, this article made me think)

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sms's avatar

I want to clarify that I am in no way suggesting that Nadia’s collaborations with Kim Kardashian are bad simply because they involve Kim. I’m still practicing my writing so maybe I overlooked the way I worded something.

I think the music video project is provocative as intended, but its reception is amplified and often cheapened in the eyes of the public because Kim is the lead in the story.

This isn’t to diminish Nadia’s work, which I admire greatly. For instance, her campaign for SKIMS was so much fun! I understand that her art is designed to provoke, but Kim’s reputation as a polarizing figure can act as a catalyst for public scrutiny.

Public opinion on Kim Kardashian isn’t always favorable, which can overshadow or diminish the perception of the work itself, especially with more experimental

projects like this.

What I wanted to highlight is how collaborations like these bring up an important question for artists: What kind of attention benefits your work, and what kind might lower its perceived value? At some point, the creative must make a choice about the balance between provocation and the potential impact of public reception on the art itself.

I’m glad that the piece is making you think ❤️ it’s great to have conversations like these. I’m 100% always advocating and trying to get people to think critically specially nowadays.

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