Alexia Sinclair

Artist's Statement

Princes, warlords, dandies and diplomats take the stage to form a lavish series of portraits titled The Royal Dozen. Through the study of nobility in history and portraiture, multimedia artist Alexia Sinclair has produced twelve innovative artworks formed from thousands of photographs and illustrations.

Legends of the lives of the nobles continue to captivate us today, from the pampered decadence of Louis XIV to the epic legend of Alexander the Great. Other rulers who also form this series are less renowned yet equally intriguing. An unusual blend of Royalty, their selection was based on their contrasts in leadership, their flamboyancies and their enduring influence upon society.

Travelling the globe photographing architecture and landscapes, Sinclair returned to Australia to hand make bespoke costuming for each portrait. Photographing role‐playing models and props in the studio, she then meticulously stitched together her photographs and hand illustrations like pieces from a jigsaw puzzle.

In the style of the renaissance masters, Sinclair weaves a myriad of delicious symbols and motifs into each portrait, allowing each story to unfold. Exploring the complexities of the famous, the infamous and the obscure, these portraits celebrate historical realities within the guise of contemporary fantasy, a kind of conversation between the past and present.