Lady Gaga for Harper's Bazaar May 2011 : Shot by Terry Richardson

Lady Gaga | Harper's Bazaar | May 2011

Interviewed by: Derek Blasberg

Photographed by: Terry Richardson

Lady Gaga is horns out for Harper's Bazaar covering the May 2011 issue

shot by Terry Richardson.

Inside the editorial includes looks from Alexander McQueen, Mugler, Versace, Dior Couture, and Francesco Scognamigilo. Shot in the raw flash form by iconic Photographer Terry Richardson, Gaga is baring all, and giving insight to her new look (mutations/horns) and "Born this Way" (to be released on May 23, 2011).

Also giving insight to the message behind the use of artistic expression and newfound celebrity Rick Genest,(who Nicola Formichetti found on Facebook!) in the recently released video for "Born this Way". She also speaks on Nick Knight and the true influence behind the inspiration for the video.

"It's artistic expression," Gaga says. "It's a performance-art piece. I have never, ever encouraged my fans or anyone to harm themselves, nor do I romanticize masochism. Body modification is part of the overarching analysis of 'Born This Way.' In the video, we use Rico, who is tattooed head to toe [including a skull on his face]. He was born that way. Although he wasn't born with tattoos, it was his ultimate destiny to become the man he is today.

As the millions of people who have seen the video for "Born This Way" can attest, Gaga devotes as much artistic energy to her visuals as she does her audio. But today she's still editing the Nick Knight--directed opening sequence, where we meet her newest creation, Mother Monster. She offers a sneak peek but warns, "You're not ready!" presumably referring to its awesomeness. "Nick Knight? He's such an asshole," she proclaims, which means he's a genius. And her inspiration for the video's out-of-this-world surrealism? "A lot of weed."

(Interview excerpts & photos courtesy of Harper's Bazaar)