Claire Mackenzie is a Melbourne based artist . She has created this playful series of Camel portraits based on her travels to India, painting these creatures she grew to love. Capturing their fun, curious and expressive personalities.
This series sees her use her love of white monochrome, playing with shades of light and grey. Juxtaposing large, organic and expressive brush strokes with fine, ornate colour pops and gold leaf used to imitate intricate embroidery and beading.
In Pushkar, India - an annual camel fair is held where the camels are bejewelled and compete in a much
celebrated beauty pageant. It is rumoured they are botoxed to achieve the perfect pout for parade.
In a world that has become increasingly driven by the self aware, self obsession, the selfie, the never ending image we are portraying - Claire couldn’t help see the parallels this series was reflecting in our own need for perfection. As Claire explored this further and became obsessed with the proportions of drawing her subjects, she couldn’t help but feel that maybe under the glare of the camels long lashed beauty, the judged had become the judge.
As an artist with a background in Graphic Design, instead of taking the well trod path - Claire’s vision was clear that she wouldn’t create another pretty abstract wall piece. It was paramount that this series was totally unique and got people talking.
Take the time to reflect, or just enjoy being transported with these playful portraits of these loveable creatures.