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Acrylic on canvas.
2008
30" x 40"
The much awaited portrait of Channel Four's 'Faking It' star, Miss Scarlet Fever.
To find out more about this painting project and it's big unveiling see the events section
Why Scarlet Fever?
When the Faking It Burlesque Christmas Special was aired on Channel Four in 2006 it had a far bigger impact than could ever have been imagined.
The story of how the self conscious dowdy cleaner Sharon Pallister was transformed into the confident sassy burlesque performer Scarlet Fever touched the imagination and hearts of the nation.
Over four weeks Sharon was introduced to burlesque for the first time, trained by top burlesque stars Immodesty Blaize and Dita Von Teese, and challenged to fake it as a fully fledged burlesque performer alongside other performers in front of a panel of judges.
She achieved the faking it and more.
The programme's airing came at a time when a wave of Neo Burlesque had begun to sweep the country and people were beginning to witness a rebirth of classic old school entertainment. This fact, paired with Sharon's literal rebirth into a new life was the catalyst that triggered a multitude of learn burlesque classes in towns and cities everywhere.
It was now proved that the art of burlesque could be taken up by anyone; color size and shape was irrelevant and low self esteem could be tackled by facing ones demons and showing off the best of what you had.
The moment Sharon decided to show off the scars on her stomach she had until then kept hidden and couldn't even bring herself to touch, she became Scarlet.
In this way, Scarlet Fever became a symbol of female empowerment through showmanship, and the perfect subject to show how burlesque has grown into a modern form of feminism.
I decided to paint Scarlet Fever in all her glory with scars on show and as the Queen of Hearts to symbolise the impact her story has had to modern day burlesque.
To see the 'Faking It Christmas Special' programme go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLLz5xVIJ4M