Ménage à trois by Alexia Sinclair
In 2014, Alexia Sinclair embarked on a new series that would span a three year period. Rococo (2014 – 2017) is a series of theatrical artworks inspired by the lives, fashions, gardens and motifs of 18th century high society. Following the design aesthetic of this period, the series is sensual, playful and flamboyant.
Sinclair relocated from Sydney to an acre of fertile land in Australia's Southern Highlands to grow extensive gardens for the project. In spring of 2014 and 2015, she harvested these gardens to arrange her models in a series of sumptuous flowerbeds onsite in her studio. Sinclair's tradition of hand making the elaborate costumes and props within her work can be seen throughout the series, often echoing the exotic flowers and fabrics of the period.
About Ménage à trois
Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire is remembered today as the most significant fashion and style icon of Georgian society. Renowned beauty, socialite, author and activist, Georgiana was on the front line of politics more than a century before the women won the right to vote.
Born of nobility she married society's most eligible bachelor, the 5th Duke of Devonshire. The duke was distant from the outset. While on a retreat from London, the duchess formed a bond with Elizabeth Foster, and the two became inseparable best friends – some say lovers – but before long the duke began a sexual relationship with Elizabeth, and a love triangle was formed. Much to Georgiana's dismay, Elizabeth continued living with the duke and duchess and eventually came to preside over them as the duke's acknowledged mistress. Georgiana's legacy has remained a topic of intrigue for centuries.
The artworks explore their scandalous public ménage à trois that was the talk of England for most of its thirty-year duration. A rich backdrop of wildflowers form a stage for this drama. The duchess wears a brooch that contains a miniature portrait worn as a token of friendship, even love, between Georgiana and Elizabeth.
One of the duchess's defining innovations was a huge exotic ostrich feather which she drooped across her towering hairstyle. The feathers were rare and expensive and became such a fad, the queen had the plumes banned in court, fearing resentment from the less fortunate.
An exotic bird is perched upon the duchess bringing a masculine presence to the work and introducing the duke to the love triangle. The Alexandrine parrot has been a prized possession for nobles since Alexander the Great. During the 18th century, parrots were treasured pets because of their colourful plumage and ability to imitate human speech. In an era in which Britain had become the world's formidable imperial power, Britons became fascinated by the bounty of empire and the aristocracy the leading fanciers of exotic fauna.
Behind the scenes
ROCOCO (behind the scenes) from Alexia Sinclair.