Strike A Pose, There’s Nothing To It (2022)

An escape from the heavy grey of Folkestone. A Himalayan mash up fantasy of Bhutan. A country which completely blew my mind. So remote and seemingly cut off from the rest of the world. I remember the terrifyingly small plane flying past Mount Everest, the chilli and cheese for every meal, the fake Fendy’s, traditional dress and immense reverence for their monarchy. It was a place I’d always wanted to visit since watching Michael Palin trek across the Himalaya on the telly.

Just a few months before the trip, Vogue happened to published an epic shoot by Tim Walker featuring Karen Elson. I recently rediscovered it whilst sifting through a folder of magazine tears. It must have been an nightmare to produce and cost an absolute fortune!

Anyway, whilst drawing I fell down my usual rabbit hole of questions. So many questions. Did the idea of using a Bhutanese model enter the photographer, stylist or editors head? Was this simply fashion using this culture as a backdrop to sell its expensive wares? Was it art? What would this shoot look like if it was shot today? What did the locals think about everything? Was it just some fun? Were they being exploited? Were they happy to share their culture and country with the outside world? Was it just an amazing promo opportunity for the government tourist board?  I wonder if anyone got altitude sickness? Christ did the Valentino gown survive dancing around the fire???

Ink / Watercolour on handmade Khadi paper.

70 x 100 cm / Unframed