DANIEL KNEEBONE

Behind the curtain...

The concept for Femme Magnifique was born almost 4 years ago after I experienced burlesque for the first time.  

I was captivated by the beauty, strength and confidence of the performers; their innate ability to take their audience on a journey where the line between reality and fantasy is blurred.  

I was hooked.

Though the art-form has been making a profound resurgence in recent years, burlesque remains on the fringe with a small but growing and intensely dedicated following.  

I started to think that by capturing these performers, in character and full opulent costumes, on film, I could bring burlesque to a whole new audience - the art world.

I called award-winning burlesque performer and director of the Australian Burlesque Festival, Dolores Daiquiri, to talk through the concept and she was on board from day one.

As well as modelling for me in The Doyenne of Burlesque, Dolores put me in touch with many of the other incredible performers featured in this series.  Her support throughout this journey has been vital for me and I can't thank her enough.

I hope that Femme Magnifique works to shed light on the burlesque industry and showcase the talented artists who actively contribute to the vaudeville scene in Australia.

This project has been a labour of love for me and I'm thrilled to be finally sharing it with you. 

- Daniel Kneebone

FEMME MAGNIFIQUE - ARTIST STATEMENT