My latest painting, Lady Lazarus (2022), depicts renowned silent film actress, Theda Bara.
It comprises the second in a series of paintings that look back in time, in order to understand the path forward. Both Lady Lazarus (2022) and The Waiting Game (2020) were inspired by production stills from the 1917 silent film, ‘Cleopatra’.
Unfortunately, the original of the film was destroyed in a fire. However, images from the film brought the inimitable elegance of Cleopatra to life again.
Lady Lazarus (2022) takes its name from one of my favourite Sylvia Plath poems, ‘Lady Lazarus’. This poem also inspired my painting, Helen (2019).
Ancient Egyptian Aesthetic
This series aims to deviate from my usual style by depicting the whole body in costume. Furthermore, I wanted the challenge of creating a piece with some technical complexity.
Initially, Theda Bara’s provocative and creative outfits caught my eye. However, I found that there was deeper meaning beyond her sartorial style.
My painting, Lady Lazarus (2022), reflects an ancient Egyptian aesthetic, which was popular at the turn of the 20th century.
Both paintings in this series depict a snake leitmotif. In Egyptian mythology, the snake represents protection, healing, fertility, and immortality.
Furthermore, the scarab beetle-inspired cap and the large ankh carry their own mythology.
The scarab beetle is symbolic of renewal and rebirth. Similarly, the ankh represents life.
The film set of ‘Cleopatra’ was filled with pulchritudinous curios and accoutrements. In particular, I was inspired by the intricacy of their design.
I enjoyed depicting the beading and the snake design of the costume, as well as the ornate backdrop of the scenery. As such, I focused on making the original patterns work in harmony.
In addition, I used a very basic colour scheme comprised of a black and white palette with some cream undertones.
Lady Lazarus (2022) is both a continuation of a series and an ode to new beginnings. This painting represents my renaissance after several gruelling years of Law School with all work and no play.