Lady Gaga's 'ARTPOP' Brings Mother Monster Back With a Whole New Look

Over the weekend, Lady Gaga took to Twitter to reveal that her next hit single, "Applause" will be released on August 19. But news of the single, which will serve as a promo for Gaga's upcoming album, ARTPOP, was not the only surprise. Promotional artwork made it clear that the pop icon is embracing a new look.

The celeb has been notoriously absent from the public eye ever since she was forced to end her "Born This Way" tour early after suffering from a hip injury. But rest assured: it looks like the pop icon, who is especially accustomed to being in the limelight, is coming back with a bang.

Lady Gaga's first post revealed a portrait of the singer posing nude, except for a pair of goggles and black boots, on top of a hi-tech looking throne. Next, she unveiled a close-up of her face, which is covered in makeup and face paint, co-shot by Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin. In contrast to her prior personas, Gaga is now showcasing a more natural look. When asked by Women's Wear Daily to explain the meaning of the promo art, Gaga responded in true fashion, turning the question on its head: “I need to get your reading first,” she said, “otherwise it’s not art.”

Source: Twitter

ARTPOP, which will be released on November 11, is Lady Gaga's third studio album, following The Fame and Born This Way, albums that catapulted the Monster Queen to the highest ranks of stardom. Gaga was this year's top-earning celebrity under 30, according to Forbes.

The artist is no stranger to transforming herself; on the cover of The Fame, Gaga sports blond hair and big black sunglasses; she looks cutting-edge and hip, mirroring the tone of the album. The art from Born This Way features a motorcycle theme; an otherwise black-and-white portrait of Gaga is accentuated by bright red lipstick. She depicted herself as the carefree, groundbreaking, fierce entertainer that she had become. 

Gaga has described her new album's artwork as an attempt to become, "something else in front of your eyes. Something more human, something more honest,” according to MTV.com. The preview for ARTPOP is, as the album's name suggests, bright and splashy.

It should come as little surprise that Lady Gaga is embracing a new transformation with her return to the stage. After all, physical appearance is a big part of the Mother Monster's persona and overall appeal. She is dramatic and groundbreaking, constantly pushing limits. Her lyrics and stage presence are a testament to her independence and her quest to remain true to herself. As the pop sensation said, "I’m not one icon. I’m every icon. I’m an icon that is made out of all the colors on the palette at every time. I have no restrictions. No restrictions.” This is exactly the message that her new image represents; she is limitless and constantly evolving.  

Source: MTV

In addition to the preview for her new single, Gaga also announced that she will be performing at this year's MTV Video Music Awards. If you are familiar with the pop star's previous stage appearances, you know we should expect something memorable.