The Rape of Africa, an exhibition of works by David LaChapelle (at Robilant+Voena, 27 April–23 June) has divided critics over how successfully the photographer has made the transition from fashion and celebrity pictures to fine art.

Once the ultimate artistic cheerleader for the celebrity culture, photographer David LaChapelle is a changed man, and is about to present art critics with the evidence. The new LaChapelle – serious, high-minded and politically engaged – this week opens his London show, The Rape of Africa. The gallery opening on Tuesday will follow on the heels of campaigning images released last week to promote Earth Day.

David LaChapelle made his name with mash-ups of trashy glitz, Old Masters and videos of Angelina Jolie, Courtney Love and Madonna. But on the eve of his first seriously political show in the UK, he tells Fiona Sturges that he has put commercialism behind him. Of the artists and photographers working today, they don't come more in your face, more unapologetically trashy, more instantly recognisable than David LaChapelle.

Of all the glittery images in the celebrity pantheon, photographer David LaChapelle's have long been the best examples of over-the-top kinky glam. In the past two decades, he's snapped anyone who is anyone in luxuriantly lurid and delicious rude set-ups where clothes seem to fall off as the colours are turned up...

London saw David Lachapelles first exhibition of work at the gallery back in 2008 and now he has made a return to Robilant and Voena with another of his fine art shows. Having become a household name for his work in fashion photography, video and editorial work, Lachapelle's focus on fine art has seen him produce several acclaimed pieces.