Rococo
Rococo is a series of theatrical artworks inspired by the lives, fashions, gardens and motifs of 18th century high society. Following the Rococo design aesthetic, the series is sensual, playful and flamboyant. Historical paintings, memoirs and propaganda serve as a rich source of inspiration for this series, which combines Rococo sensibilities with the elegant finesse of contemporary fashion photography. Peeking down to this playful world, you are invited to explore in rich detail, the staging of these ideas.
During the 18th century, powerful women of French and English courts became fashion icons and their tastes swept across Europe. Their excessive, luxurious and exotic creations inspired the silhouettes and embellishments of this series; from Madame de Pompadour's porcelain flowers, to Madame du Barry diamond necklace, Marie Antoinette's muslin chemise and the Duchess of Devonshire's towering plumes.
Throughout this period, gardens, like fashion, became seen as an expressions of one's political and philosophical views. French formal gardens merged with English wildflowers meadows. Hidden gardens, mazes and groves formed the backdrops for decadent garden parties and mischievous encounters. Exotic plants from the new world made these pleasure playgrounds a place of wonder and anticipation. Each artwork in this series is formed from thousands of live flowers, grown specifically for this purpose. The flowers were intricately constructed in a studio setting and combine the formal, wild and exotic flowers found in the dreamlike landscapes of the Rococo period.