In the 1960's, Pop artist Andy Warhol predicted that "[i]n the future, everyone will be famous for fifteen minutes." This Warholian prophecy has actually come to pass, especially for the youth of the present generation, though in unimagined ways. MTV's daily afternoon music video program, TRL (the initials stand for "Total Request Live"), has been one of the many vehicles through which such fleeting fame has become a reality. TRL's format allows young audience members to grab a mic, stand in front of television cameras and request their favorite videos with the formulaic mantra of "Hi, I'm [insert name], I'm from [insert city and state]; I'd like to request [insert song name and artist name] because [insert reason for requesting video]," followed by an obligatory exclamation of "Woooooo!"

Using image stills from the actual TV program and sound recordings of authentic "Woooooo's!," Betterly explores exposure and accessibility to fame made easily available in the 21st century's evolving Age of Media.

Jill Betterly received a BFA in Photography from Arizona State University. Her work has been included in the exhibitions: Summer, Rick Gayle Studio, Phoenix, AZ; The 110+(Plus) Show, 828 Space, Phoenix, AZ; BA/BFA Photography Exhibition, Northlight Gallery, Tempe, AZ; Photography at Modified, Modified, Phoenix, AZ; Transformations, Barlow and Straker Gallery, Phoenix, AZ; ASU Juried Undergraduate Exhibition, Harry Wood Gallery, Tempe, AZ; and Smoke, College of Visual Arts Gallery, Minneapolis, MN.

Contact artist Jill Betterly with questions about her work for
nooks and crannies by e-mail at jillbetterlynooksandcrannies@hotmail.com

John D. Spiak
Curatorial Museum Specialist
Arizona State University Art Museum