Fanatic, a solo show, opens at 1708 Gallery in Richmond, Virginia on February 1st.

From the press release,
“This exhibition highlights work from the past five years which can best be described as culture-jamming.

In Mcdonald’s recent work spanning video, web art, performance, and photography, she addresses the American cult of celebrity, the fantasy that buoys extreme fandom, and the mechanisms of “fear as entertainment” at work in horror films. The presence of her image in the work serves not as a self-portrait, but as a projection of universal emotions such as desire or fear. In “Me and Billy Bob”, she digitally manipulated romantic scenes from Hollywood films starring actor Billy Bob Thornton, creating a soft critique of celebrity obsession. In “Screaming”, she inserted herself into popular horror films such as The Shining and Alien, screaming at the monsters to scare them away or blow them to smithereens. She confounds the traditional roles of “victim” and “predator”, or “star” and “fan”, to transcend cinematic conventions. In “Horror Makeup” she applies makeup on a daily subway commute, transforming herself into a zombie.

Caitlin Jones, of Rhizome, writes that her “work is distinct from many other artists also concerned with the cinematic. Not simply interested in issues of narrative, time, space, or the like, Mcdonald looks specifically at the genres romance and horror and how these constructions become a part of our own experiences” (Rhizome, Oct 8, 2007). ”

Fanatic, as in fan addict.

Speaking of Famous Sperm, or infamous as the case may be, for a cool million you can purchase the ejaculate of one Vincent Gallo. The offer carries heavy terms though, and be advised that “The purchaser must find another surname for the child.” We can’t tolerate any unauthorized Gallos running around, now. Dana Wyse’s packets, at 10 Euros apiece, are a better bang for your buck - think how many celebrities you could clone for the same price.
Vince’s details here: scroll down to the bottom but on the way consider the less pricey evening escort option for chicks only.

curated by Gordon Hatt

I visited Niagara Falls three nights ago while in St Catherine’s for a fabulous opening at Rodman Hall. To my surprise these stage lights were trained on the Falls at night, from the Canadian side, so tourists won’t miss a viewing oportunity. The spectacle of nature never sleeps and meanwhile alien abductions happen left right and centre. Note to self: perfect location for a zombie film.

I can tell by her expression that Nicole Kidman did not want to star in the re-remake of “Invasion of the Bodysnatchers” - the redeeming feature of which seems to be matching clothing and machines - any more than I want to see it.

a grad student at a recently visited art school who shall remain nameless, but not quoteless, wrote to me:

Hey Jillian,
…I know that you love Billy Bob, but while you were speaking and hints of your Canadian accent came through, I kept on thinking that a Canadian love interest would suit you well. Maybe as your next obsession and/or a future project. His name is Roy Dupuis. He is a Canadian actor, but has done some American productions, including the TV series adaptation of La Femme Nikita, which aired on USA network. He is a solid actor, but much of his fame lies north of the border. Certainly a bad boy, gorgeous, and not pretentious….

While I do appreciate suggestions, I must assert that I do not have a “Canadian accent”. Please….

Recently I watched the film Chopper Chicks in Zombietown. It was recommended to me by Netflix, which speaks volumes about my recent film-watching habits. It also sums up my art interests of the past four years in one fell swoop and makes me feel kind of cheap. This was one of Billy Bob’s earliest films, long before “Sling Blade”, and was not his finest hour.

The tour is under way but you can still catch him in Texas, Colorado, Florida, Alabama, Portland or in 3 Canadian cities - Vancouver, Calgary, and Saskatoon. I’m a little disappointed he didn’t invite me on tour for one of our famous duets. There are no New York dates on the tour - I wonder if he’s avoiding me…

click for full tour schedule