So close yet so faraway

I was in Amsterdam and strolling on this narrow street when I saw a lot of people coming out of a building. I thought there might be a gallery exhibition and decided to check it out. It was only when I saw Spiderman perched on an elevator that I realized I accidentally stepped into the wax museum through the exit.
 
I was glad, anticipating an amusing experience (that I would have never paid 40 Euros for). There was no guardian, as probably it never crossed their minds that someone could think of such a rule breach. I therefore began the journey backward, with the last chapter of contemporary figures.
 vezi tot articolul
I became fascinated with the visitors’ reactions around the wax copies of their favourite stars. In spite all the laughing and aping and parodying, in those instants when they were being photographed, that is to say immortalized near the frozen celebs, visitors were utterly changed. It was like the power and aura of this ineffable thing called fame would suddenly come to life and work its magic, making common people feel as they were supposed to feel, humble and shy.
 
The wax figures were no longer tangible during those seconds. Beyonce and Beckham, Johnny Depp and Oprah became distant and godlike, crushing with frozen smiles the blasphemous cheekiness and impudent fun-making of those anonymous creatures.
I myself felt uncomfortable. I went as close as I could, observing hairs, pores, luster of skin, eyelashes, leg hair, nails, pupils, jewels on their wrists, seams on their clothes (horrible cheap copies, by the way), shoes pierced by the support metal bar. A frustrating experience indeed.
 
How close can you get to a fake VIP in order to diminish its power? How can a thing made of wax and false teeth can still exercise charisma?
 
Nevertheless, the general feeling was of satisfaction. All in all, some of these celebrities were ridiculously short, some wore stupid smiles, and some were not that beautiful “live”, after all. Visitors left a bit more at peace with themselves, as if revenged. They managed to reduce the distance that separated them from the gods on the pedestals.