Journal article
Drowning Out Escapism: Performances of Transformative Confinement in the Work of Beyoncé and Harry Styles
Popular Music and Society, Vol.48(2), pp.132-147
2025
Abstract
This article analyzes acts of escapism within confinement. Written over the duration of a global pandemic, we dive deep into music videos by performing artists Beyoncé and Harry Styles. “Denial” and “Falling” present their respective subject in a state of submerged confinement. We read these performances of liquid entrapment as symbolizing rebirth and liberation through liminality, measuring these representations of escapism-without-escape against our own desires to (mentally) flee literal lockdowns. Several years later, we question shifting relationships with celebrity texts—when messages of escape , post-emergence, are so antithetical to our current (seemingly inescapable), lived experiences.
Details
- Title
- Drowning Out Escapism: Performances of Transformative Confinement in the Work of Beyoncé and Harry Styles
- Authors
- Nicola Hyland - Victoria University of WellingtonHannah Joyce Banks - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Business and Creative Industries
- Publication details
- Popular Music and Society, Vol.48(2), pp.132-147
- Publisher
- Routledge
- Date published
- 2025
- DOI
- 10.1080/03007766.2024.2444169
- ISSN
- 1740-1712
- Organisation Unit
- School of Business and Creative Industries; Healthy Ageing Research Cluster
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991091971402621
- Output Type
- Journal article
Metrics
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InCites Highlights
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- Web Of Science research areas
- Music