Madison Rose Sees the World in 'Panavision'

Madison Rose Sees the World in 'Panavision'

Feb 04, 2025

New York City commuters are no stranger to some drama on the train, but few subway riders are prepared for the mad antics of pop princess Madison Rose, who is taking to the MTA in the video to her new single, "Panavision."

Decked in a red latex, heart-shaped jacket (a la RiRi), Rose is serving choreo and props all while delivering a song that speaks to this fraught moment in history. "The phrase 'Panavision' came to my mind when I was thinking about how I see the world as a pansexual person: Pan + Vision," Rose tells PAPER. "'Panavision' means crafting the world how I see it, through my lens as a Black, queer woman."

The video, which features quick glances of American flags and a winking army salute, speaks further to Rose’s political vision. "I don’t subscribe to our government’s vision of America. I wanted to very firmly put my stamp and 'plant my flag,'" Rose shares.

All of the video’s elements — the red lewk, a curious figure dressed in white, her very own newspaper, The Monochrome Monocle — are part of Rose’s new era, Monochrome, the follow-up to her previous, similarly color-centric era, Technicolor. Rose shares that her Monochrome moment is all about her journey towards achieving her superstar fantasies.
"Monochrome is the actualization of the dreams I had for myself during Technicolor," Rose says. "I had dreams of a deep sense of self, confidence, success, love, queer understanding and sexual freedom."

And even as the journey to that glistening destination is never neat or easy, it can be fun. Especially when, like Rose, you’re always down for some glam and mayhem. "Getting to your dreams is gritty, it’s dirty, it’s a journey. But I will look very fabulous while I make my way."

Rose chatted with PAPER about her wild shoot on the subway, the symbols seen throughout "Panavision" and Monochrome.

Love that the video was shot on the subway. What was the experience of filming on the subway like?

It was as fun as it looks. Though most of the shots seem like we’re alone, we were moving between travelers the entire shoot. I loved leaning in to the chaos and to everyone asking: yes, I took a long shower after the subway floor dance sequence.

Moving to New York City has completely changed my life and perspective as an artist. I feel like I am the person I’ve always wanted to be — and so much of that comes from the subway culture. I am obsessed with pulling a high brow look amidst the grit of how we travel around the city. I think that in general is the core of New York: all these opposing ideas that shouldn’t work together, but complement one another so well.

Tell me about creating these fab lewks? What were the inspos?

You know she loves a lewk. It’s no secret I am always looking to the 2010s pop divas and then breathing in my own spin. I always loved Rihanna’s iconic YSL heart coat moment, but I pretty much always want everything in latex or vinyl. Thus the heartbreak coat was born. My time in NYC nightlife, burlesque and cabarets also heavily influence the style. The fishnets, the Pleasers, the drama. Also who doesn’t love a woman in a tie?

You say repeatedly, "Panavision rules the nation." What does "Panavision" represent to you?

The phrase "Panavision" came to my mind when I was thinking about how I see the world as a pansexual person: Pan + Vision. Then when I remembered it is also the name of the iconic filmmaking equipment, it seemed like the universe was handing me a serendipitous union. "Panavision" means crafting the world how I see it, through my lens of being a Black, queer woman.

There's American flag iconography throughout the video. What inspired you to explore these symbols and themes?

This new era stands for reclamation. I don’t subscribe to our government’s vision of America. I subscribe to the Panavision vision of America. In this vision it is acknowledged that the best parts of our culture were built off the backs of Black and Brown people, queer people, trans people and immigrants. In this vision, these people are all credited for their contributions. I wanted to very firmly put my stamp and "plant my flag" in that ethos.

There's this mysterious character in white that shows up towards the end. What do they represent?

As an artist living with bipolar disorder, I’m constantly switching sides and activating different parts of my brain to exist in this world. I’m excited for my Rosebuds to learn more about those sides. I will put names to them soon.

I love this newspaper you made, "The Monochrome Monocle." You seem to be teeing up a big new Monochrome era, which seems in very clear contrast to your 2022 album, Technicolor. Tell me about the world of Monochrome and what fans can expect?

Monochrome is building upon the Technicolor world. It all goes hand-in-hand. Monochrome is the actualization of the dreams I had for myself during Technicolor. I had dreams of a deep sense of self, confidence, success, love, queer understanding and sexual freedom. Frankly, getting to your dreams is not all glamorous and light. It’s gritty, it’s dirty, it’s a journey. But I will look very fabulous while I make my way — even on the subway floor.
'Panavision' means crafting the world how I see it, through my lens of being a Black, queer woman.

Photography: Jen Trahan