New York magazine enlists James Franco for the cover of its Art and Design issue. Approaching the subject of Franco as artist, the man of many passions is photographed by Maxine Helfman. The cover shoot takes inspiration from famed painter Vincent van Gogh, who enjoyed painting self-portraits. The magazine’s photography director Jody Quon explains the connection, sharing “van Gogh as tortured artist was the one that stuck with us, because of Franco’s own complicated relationship to the art world.”
The feature connects Franco with New York magazine’s senior art critic Jerry Saltz. Discussing the criticism he faces when entering the art world, Franco reveals, “I’ve done everything that I can to respect these professions that I’m interested in.” The Renaissance man continues, “I’ve gone to all these schools. I went to the art school that so many of my favorite artists have gone to. But when an actor goes into music, when an actor writes a book, when an actor goes into the art world—before it is even made, people are considering it bad.” Read more on Vulture.com.
