"Pharaoh Pop - A Technicolor Cleopatra" is a riveting tableau where the aesthetics of Pop Art and the iconography of ancient Egypt meet. The focal point of the photograph is a woman, captivatingly embodying Cleopatra, whose piercing gaze immediately grips the viewer's attention.
Her appearance is an elaborate spectacle of Egyptian symbolism, heavily emphasized through Pop Art sensibilities. The eye makeup, an intensified interpretation of the traditional kohl worn in ancient Egypt, extends dramatically outward from her eyes, reinforcing the impact of her commanding gaze. Her attire, a kaleidoscope of dark gold and vibrant green, reinforces her royal aura and the sense of otherworldliness her persona exudes.
The background of the image is equally gripping, presenting alternating stripes of gold and green. Drawing parallels to the works of Keith Haring and Richard Hamilton, the stripes create a rhythmic, kinetic sensation that drives the image's dynamism, adding a modern twist to the historic figure. Haring's influence is evident in the energetic, movement-inducing lines, while Hamilton's touch is seen in the image's critique of mass consumer culture and the idolization of celebrity figures like Cleopatra.
The consistent palette of gold and green stitches the composition together, creating a visually cohesive narrative. The gold symbolizes the splendor and grandeur of Cleopatra's reign, while the green echoes the ancient Egyptian association of the color with fertility, life, and rebirth.
"Pharaoh Pop - A Technicolor Cleopatra" stands as a vibrant dialogue between eras, cultures, and artistic styles. It reinvents the representation of historical figures through the lens of modern art movements and amplifies their relevance to the contemporary world, making it a notable addition to the Pop Art genre.
Model: Mary Poll (Mustang Mary "Tango Eyes" (@mustangmarytangoeyes) | Instagram)
HMUA: Danielle Rozycki (Danielle Rozycki (@skin.esteem.with.danielle) | Instagram)