Burlesquapades is a body of work that focuses on the ever expanding traditional and neo burlesque scene in Dublin, Ireland, a creative hotbed of burlesque and cabaret performers. After moving to Dublin from Manchester, where I was introduced to a world of artists, musicians and enormously creative people I realized I needed to find Dublin's creative art scene. As a photographer there is nothing mo
re interesting to photograph than self-expressive performers. Most performers, whatever their discipline, are generally viewed as being on the fringe of society, a generalization that I would agree with. From my perspective, the majority of people hide their feelings, emotions and desires behind a veil of political correctness. Conversely, most performers and creative’s express these things openly or in some cases use their art to break through that veil. After going to my first burlesque show and meeting the performers I realized that I had no idea what burlesque was about and I was amazed at the talent and creativity of the women and men involved along with their non judgemental acceptance of myself for who I was and what I stood for, this is a quality that I have found very hard to find in social gatherings that others would describe as more “normal” or “socially acceptable” , I had found my new home among the “Freaks” but it was cosy and warm, the lights were always on and there was tea in the pot. I sometimes feel like I look at the world a little differently than most other people, a perspective for which I am grateful. When photographing a performer while they are performing I try to capture what I am seeing, which is the emotion and passion they express in their interaction with the audience. Nothing makes me happier than to have people show me they appreciate my art (photography) after taking my time and energy to create it. The difference for a performer is that all the work and energy they have put into a performance reaches its' climax during the performance and the audience is part of that climactic experience. There is so much there to capture and if I can, the images show the passion and energy of the performer and their interaction with the audience. This is the very essence of Burlesquapades.