Alexia Sinclair (beautiful.bizarre Issue 006 featured photographer) is showing her sublime new body of work ‘Rococo’ at the Black Eye Gallery in Darlinghurst, Sydney until 8 March 2015. We had the pleasure of attending the lavish VIP opening reception last night amid throngs of avid admirers. Alasdair Foster, Former Director of the Australian Centre for Photography introduced Alexia’s new series, praising her “photographic, cinematic and painterly” technique. Alasdair set the context for this series, describing the essence of the Rococo art period as “playful, light, hedonistic – elegant and teasing“. Alexia has captured this essence and given it a modern sensibility. Creating romantic tableau’s that speak of natural abundance and refined pleasure, whether they be beautiful reclining nudes or luscious still life’s, this narrative of sweet yet fleeting romance seduces the viewer.
“Rococo showcases a series of theatrical artworks inspired by the lives, gardens and motifs of 18th century high society. The excessive, luxurious and exotic creations of the French court has inspirited the costuming throughout; from Madame de Pompadour’s porcelain flowers to Madame du Barry’s diamond necklace, Marie Antoinette’s muslin chemise, and the Duchess of Devonshire’s towering plumes. With the Rococo Period being known as the pleasure playgrounds, the floral backdrop in Sinclair’s images pays homage to a time of hidden gardens, mazes and wild flower meadows that helped form the setting of decedent garden parties and mischievous encounters.
The theatrical sets are intricately constructed from thousand of live flowers and serve as a stage for the exquisitely costumed, painted and wigged Rococo characters. Through the visual narrative, Sinclair invites her audience to peek down into this playful world to be seduced by whimsical gardens and entrancing creations.” ~ Black Eye Gallery
I highly recommend you see Alexia Sinclair‘s ‘Rococo’ in person and allow yourself to luxuriate in the decadent extravagance.
Alexia Sinclair | Rococo
17 February – 8 March 2015
Black Eye Gallery
VIP Opening Night Reception
Alasdair Foster, Former Director, Australian Centre for Photography & Alexia Sinclair
Danijela Krha, beautiful.bizarre Co-Founder & Editor-in-Chief and Alexia Sinclair
Part of the ‘Rococo’ team: Sarah Laidlaw (Hair), Sophie Curran (Model), Sahra Bull (Body Paint)
The motion component of the Rococo exhibition by Alexia Sinclair
Rococo from Sinclair & Hill on Vimeo.