In recent years, celebrity mugshots have become commonplace — in many cases, they’re hard to distinguish from any other head shot in a starlet’s collection. Rachel Schmeidler‘s series Hollywood Most Wanted, which was inspired by her work with journalists on Michael Jackson’s criminal trial in 2005, takes these familiar images and subverts them. Using silkscreen and digital image techniques that produce Warhol-inspired pieces, Schmeidler combines her passion for popular culture, government, and technology. “We are all ultimately the same before the flash of the mug shot bulb,” she says. Included in her portfolio of over 70 mugs are reconstructed images of Hollywood celebrities, mobsters, and political figures.
More images after the jump.
Mel Gibson, July 28, 2006. Arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. Gibson had been driving 86 mph in a 45 mph zone, and had a blood-alcohol level of .12% (the legal limit is .08%). An opened bottle of Tequila was also found in the car.
Jane Fonda, November 3, 1970. Arrested for kicking a cop when she was found carrying what appeared to be a large quantity of pills. It was later announced that the so-called pills were actually vitamins.
Marilyn Manson, July 2001. Arrested for sexually grinding against a security guard’s head during his concert in Detroit, Michigan.
Al Capone, May 17, 1929. Arrested for carrying concealed deadly weapons while in Philadelphia with his bodyguard. This was Capone’s second arrest.
Snoop Dogg, November 6, 2006. Arrested for possessing a deadly weapon (a collapsible baton) at John Wayne International Airport in Orange County, California.
Fidel Castro, August 1, 1953. Arrested after an attack on the Monclada Barracks outside of Santiago de Cuba, where more than 60 militants were killed.
David Bowie, March 21, 1976. Arrested with Iggy Pop and two others for possession of marijuana (half a pound).
Lindsay Lohan, July 24, 2007. Arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, possession of cocaine, and driving with a suspended license.
George Carlin, July 21, 1972. Arrested at Milwaukee’s Summerfest for a violation of obscenity laws after his performance of “Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television.”
Haley Joel Osment, August 18, 2006. Arrested in July for driving under the influence of alcohol and marijuana possession.
If you live in LA, check out an exhibition of Schmeidler’s work, Hollywood Most Wanted + Co., which is up at the ArcLight Cinemas in Hollywood through April 28.