Petra Collins' 'STAR' Unveils the Dark Side of Pop Stardom

Renowned photographer and director Petra Collins will release her new book, 'STAR', with Rizzoli on April 14. The project follows fictional pop icons and their obsessive fans. Collins has confirmed a film based on this project in a recent interview. This project is an exploration of the extremes of fame and the fine line between admirers and stalkers, showing how obsession can turn into violence.

Collins, with 'STAR', delves into her filmmaking roots, capturing the transformation of admiration into surveillance and public life, proving that not all that glitters is gold. The book is inspired by Collins' own experience as a fan, a relationship that has become complicated by her rise to stardom.

The book, which will be released on April 14, is Collins' most narrative project to date. It consists of five chapters that follow two fictional pop icons, Ashley and Siren8, as they navigate fame and the thin line between fans and stalkers. Collins draws on her personal experience as a fan and her subsequent rise to fame. The artist's dreamy aesthetic has made her a cult figure in the last decade, often credited with pioneering the 'female gaze'.

Collins has observed how the public treats these women, and 'STAR' reflects that observation over the years. The book is also inspired by her fascination with the pop star figure, as demonstrated by her work with real-life singers like Charli XCX and Olivia Rodrigo.

For full cinematic effect, Collins and her partner, musician Jake Nadrich, will release a 'STAR' soundtrack in May, marking her first foray into music. The series is situated in a line of works that explore the harsh realities of being a young woman on the world stage, including 'Perfect Blue', 'Love and Pop', 'Lilya 4-ever' and 'All About Lily Chou-Chou'.

The book, priced at $47.50 USD, is now available for pre-order via Rizzoli. Collins has assured that 'STAR' is a 'tiny taste' of what we can expect from her in the future, with a film on the way.

Collins' work is framed within an artistic tradition that explores the complexities of fame and female youth, drawing inspiration from films like 'Perfect Blue' and 'Lilya 4-ever'. The 'Idols' series and her work with artists like Charli XCX demonstrate her interest in the pop star figure. Collins has stated that 'STAR' is a representation of what she has observed about how the public treats these figures over the years.

With an impressive collection of music videos, campaigns and short films, Collins has yet to premiere a feature film, although she has confirmed that one is on the way, ensuring that 'STAR' is just a 'tiny taste' of what is to come.

Petra Collins' book 'STAR', which will be released on April 14 with Rizzoli, is a cinematic exploration of fame and obsession. The project, which follows fictional pop icons and their obsessive fans, will also include a soundtrack and a film, marking a creative expansion for Collins.

The Canadian artist, known for her distinctive aesthetic and her work with prominent figures in music and fashion, uses her personal experience and her observation of pop culture to offer a critical and in-depth view of stardom, capturing the transformation of admiration into surveillance and public life.