Douglas Gordon

Ranging through eras and significance, the portraits include icons such as Brigitte Bardot, the Beatles, Gene Simmons, David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix, Madonna, and Michael Jackson. The gallery archly asks viewers to consider the meaning of famous faces touched by fire: "Is this a verdict on Bardot’s scandalous flirtations or on Cat Stevens’ conversion to Islam? Has the devil struck Gene Simmons or have voodoo spirits caught up with Jimi Hendrix?" But really their message is more consuming. The charred remains of the press shots and publicity stills tell us that fans love the stars to death, and like real stars our celebrities burn brightest as they’re being snuffed out. http://www.style.com/stylefile/2007/12/fire-starter/