Introducing... KIKI!

Hello Friends,

My latest series of fine art originals features the incredible Kiki de Montparnasse.  She took 1920s Paris by storm as the model and muse of Dada photographer Man Ray.  But many don't know that Kiki was an artist in her own right.  Painter, performer, writer and model, Kiki was a force to be reckoned with, no matter what medium she chose to use to express herself and her artistic eye.

photo by Man Ray

In my new series, dropping throughout March in celebration of Women's Herstory Month, I chose to recreate 12 iconic photo images of Kiki, photographed by male artists, but with my feminine eye.  The sensuousness of Kiki's modeling work takes on new meaning when presented by another woman.  Both presentations have merit, I believe; captured by a woman, Kiki's natural beauty takes center stage.  Her sexuality enhances rather than dominates the images.

Kiki came from extremely humble beginnings to become one of the most beloved and iconic personalities in France during the first half of the twentieth century.  Amazing to me is that her image still appears relevant, despite the fact that most of her photos were taken one hundred years ago.  Though lovely, it's not Kiki's beauty that endures.  It's her personality and feminine strength of character which jump to life inside her photos and are an inspiration to me, as a woman and artist, a full century later.

I plan to introduce more to my Kiki series each week during the month of March.  I hope you love them and become as enraptured with Kiki as I was when learning about her extraordinary life and art.

XOXO,

Heather