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Five Women at the Street

Created C. 1913, Ernst Ludwig Kirncher's 'Five Women at the Street' cogently reflects the artist’s excitement in the tumult of the great city. Kirchner saw the prostitute as a symbol of the modern metropolis, where elegance and danger, connection and isolation were juxtaposed, and all things were for sale.

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The Concept

The figure was inspired by Kirchner's street walker series. The harsh fluorescent colours, primitive mask-like faces, angular forms, elongated stylisation of the figures, tectonic forms, and geometric silhouettes lent themselves to a distinctly geometric and vibrant sculpting style. 

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The Process

As an abstracted piece, there was little clothing detail to work from. This led me to studying Edwardian fashion plates for further inspiration for her outfit. I wanted to convey the figure's strident opulence and so opted for heavy, quilted fabrics and luxurious velvet. She shows a scandalous inch of ankle, and exaggerates her face with dark makeup. The figure also presented me with the opportunity to use different types of simulated cloth layered on top of one another, which accentuates the contrapposto pose perfectly.

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The piece is also part of my home gallery piece, pride of place on the salon wall for many people to explore and learn about. The room is a vintage setting befitting of the gorgeous models, complete with crystal ashtrays and cracking leather sofas.

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The Outcome

In time I hope to adapt the whole scene into an interactive experience, but for now enjoy the opulent feathers and quilted fabrics of this fabulous lady.

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