Madonna Covers ‘Love’ & Has Some Choice Words About Fame In Social Media Era

It’s been quiet on the Madonna front for a bit, but now she’s on the cover of a special issue of LOVE (the same mag Rita Ora just posed for), shot by Mert Alas. “Madonna 2:00AM by Mert Alas” is a 10-page spread that was shot in the photographer’s home. And for that cover photo, the star is wearing no makeup and didn’t get any hair or styling done, according to the mag.

In the accompanying interview, Madonna discusses her legacy, saying “acceptance by the establishment equals death,” adding, “I don’t consider myself a pop act, I consider myself an artist. And it’s an artist’s responsibility to be revolutionary in our work. It’s our responsibility, our duty and our privilege.”

She also deconstructs fame in the social media era:

“I was already famous before social media, so for me fame isn’t the burden. Fame is the manifestation or the by-product of my work, and that was two decades before social media. Now to me the burden is people are more focused on fame than actually doing the work or being an artist. Now it’s easy to become famous. What isn’t easy is to develop and grow as an artist without being distracted or consumed with fame…

I like Instagram because it’s like keeping a diary and every day I get to share different aspects of my personality, my life, and what inspires me, what infuriates me, or what causes I want to fight for. It allows me to be mysterious, ironic, provocative or proud. I get to use it as a platform to bring attention to people or issues that I think are important. It allows me to be the curator of my life.”

The collector’s issue is out September 19 to coincide with London Fashion Week. Find more details about Madge’s feature in issue 16.5 here.