DANNY KNEEBONE

FEMME MAGNIFIQUE - ARTIST STATEMENT

Femme Magnifique is a photographic series that portrays renowned burlesque performers through narrative art. The artists depicted in these works are performers who actively contribute to the vaudeville scene in Australia. Therefore, the aim of the works is not only to shed light on the burlesque industry but to reveal the artists who continue to cultivate this genre in Australia. a study of the uniqueness of the feminine spirit that the historical art form of burlesque enables this to be captured in the most unique way.

The revolution of the 1920’s Paris as a centre point of the free expression and the evolution of females had rippled throughout the world and burlesque in Paris was a part of that celebration. The movement was influential through out the arts during this time period. One such artist DEMÉTRE H. CHIPARUS famous for his bronze sculptures of 1920’s dancers and that they are highly sought-after to this day. DEMÉTRE H. CHIPARUS work was a direct influence on me to create my burlesque series of Australian performers who have over the past years made their mark not only in Australia but internationally with Zella Rose as an example being voted the number one burlesque performer in the world in 2020.

For Daniel, the allure of burlesque is strongly influenced by the woman’s attitude and spirit. He argues that it is no coincidence that 80% of the burlesque audience is female; drawn to the theatricality, the performance and the strong visceral archetypes depicted in the themes and stories of each performer.

Through shifting perspectives, Daniel’s works creates a sense of movement across time and space to capture elements of an evolving burlesque drama. By transitioning the performers from back to centre stage or in the midst of performance, the non-linear narrative deliberately creates mystery and dramatic tension. This offers an opportunity for a deeper engagement and interpretation of contemporary burlesque.

The methodologies adopted for Femme Magnifique undergo multiple processes, although it always begins with a photo shoot. By combining a strong sense of colour, light, and composition, Daniel uses his digital artist skills to utilize colour pixels for painting and a camera to capture images that reflect various aspects of his subject matter. Daniel’s work endeavours to highlight the scene in Australia by offering viewers a glimpse into contemporary burlesque and the artistry behind the acts.

Behind the curtain...

The concept for Femme Magnifique was born almost 4 years ago after I experienced burlesque for the first time.  

I was captivated by the beauty, strength and confidence of the performers; their innate ability to take their audience on a journey where the line between reality and fantasy is blurred.  

I was hooked.

Though the art-form has been making a profound resurgence in recent years, burlesque remains on the fringe with a small but growing and intensely dedicated following.  

I started to think that by capturing these performers, in character and full opulent costumes, on film, I could bring burlesque to a whole new audience - the art world.

I called award-winning burlesque performer and director of the Australian Burlesque Festival, Dolores Daiquiri, to talk through the concept and she was on board from day one.

As well as modelling for me in The Doyenne of Burlesque, Dolores put me in touch with many of the other incredible performers featured in this series.  Her support throughout this journey has been vital for me and I can't thank her enough.

I hope that Femme Magnifique works to shed light on the burlesque industry and showcase the talented artists who actively contribute to the vaudeville scene in Australia.

This project has been a labour of love for me and I'm thrilled to be finally sharing it with you. 

- Daniel Kneebone