When you were 10, traipsing around in mom’s heels, a bath towel wig, and removable shoulder padding was proof that you were living a soap diva’s life. Today, traipsing around in your own heels and removable-everything-else-padding is proof that you aren’t.

So the fact that Harlem artist Kalup Linzy has managed to pull it off — in a show opening tonight at Romo Gallery — is some of the most riveting news we’ve gotten lately.

Don’t expect the man to stick to one form of media during his wardrobe changes, either. Linzy incorporates everything from little black dress-wearing femme fatales to bare-chested men and lavish costuming in soap opera-like narrative videos and works on paper, each one addressing the issues of sexuality, race, class, and (of course) stereotypes in general.

But, frankly, we’re most looking forward to seeing him in a ten-minute performance piece on Friday, in which he’ll play LaBisha (the Diva).

Somewhere, we’ll bet, Susan Lucci is smiling.

Romo Gallery, 309 Peters Street, Castleberry Hill (404-222-9955 or romogallery.com). Opening reception, tonight, 7-9 p.m. Live artist performance, Friday, 8 p.m. at 3Ten Haustudio, 310 Peters Street, Castleberry Hill (404-524-6541 or haustudio.com).