Holy Pop Exhibition Celebrates Extreme Fandom with Relics from Dolly Parton to Nina Simone
The exhibition 'Holy Pop' explores the phenomenon of extreme fandom, treating superfans as sacred. Photographer Alice Hawkins, whose obsession with Dolly Parton deepened after a friend's suicide, uses a Dolly Parton book to deter Jehovah's Witnesses. Her husband suggested visiting Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, which she describes as a spiritual home. The show features bizarre relics including leaves from Dolly Parton's front garden, a Yellow Submarine cookie jar containing ashes, and a branch from the tree that Marc Bolan's car hit. Nina Simone's chewing gum is also displayed. The exhibition elevates fan memorabilia to the level of religious artifacts, highlighting the intense personal connections fans form with celebrities.
Key facts
- Exhibition titled 'Holy Pop' focuses on extreme fandom.
- Photographer Alice Hawkins uses a Dolly Parton book to deter Jehovah's Witnesses.
- Hawkins' obsession with Parton grew after a friend's suicide.
- Her husband suggested visiting Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
- Hawkins describes Dollywood as a 'spiritual home' and 'mecca'.
- Exhibition includes leaves from Dolly Parton's front garden.
- A Yellow Submarine cookie jar full of ashes is displayed.
- A branch from the tree Marc Bolan's car hit is featured.
- Nina Simone's chewing gum is part of the exhibition.
Entities
Artists
- Alice Hawkins
- Dolly Parton
- Marc Bolan
- Nina Simone
Institutions
- Dollywood
Locations
- Pigeon Forge
- Tennessee