Make-up is not something that is cheap and disposable or even superficial, it’s a part of history and a larger narrative surrounding cultural approaches to beauty.
The earliest historical records of makeup trace back to the 1st Dynasty of Egypt (c.3100-2907 BC). Not only have makeup products evolved, but so too have beauty standards. Through my work, I'm exploring what modern beauty is. I started this series by painting iconic movie stars from the Hollywood Golden Era who were in fact the original beauty influencers. Throughout the series, I also painted today's current beauty influencers, to show how beauty standards have shifted.
A new technique in my work is actually using make-up as a painting medium. It's been fascinating figuring out the different processes of applying brightly coloured lipsticks, eyeshadows, and blushes and sealing in the colours while preserving the finish.
I hope my work showcase’s and celebrates the history, beauty and artistry of makeup.
'Marilyn Monroe - Hollywood beauty'
'Elizabeth Taylor'; Egypt’s origin of make-up
'Kirsten Dunst as Marie Antoinette'; French beauty
'Rihanna'; Fenty beauty
'Manny Gutierrez'; The Art of Male Make-up
'Gottmik'; The Art of Drag
'Master of Make-up'
