Published on February 17, 2014 |
by Suzie Shepherd
Romance is dead: A bloody Valentine’s Day special
Not content with celebrating Valentine’s Day in the traditional way, ALN’s Suzie Shepherd attended Art Macabre: Romance is Dead, a drawing class that combines burlesque performances with death and (literally) broken hearts.
Art Macabre Valentines Day Special: Romance is Dead at Hackney Picture House, Tuesday 11th February.
Nikki Shaill created Art Macabre life drawing classes in 2010 as a hobby alongside other full time event work.
When you enter the drawing classes you are given drawing utensils but you must bring your own sketch book or paper.
This Art Macabre: Romance is Dead drawing class began with model Odelia Opium performing a dance that the audience were encouraged to draw.
Opium held a series of poses for the audience to draw.
Members of the audience often bring their own equipment to the class.
The course is guided by Shaill who times and changes the poses, which are held for up to 15 minutes.
The event encourages people of all ages and ability to come along and draw.
The aim of Art Macabre is for people to explore drawing and death in a relaxed theatrical atmosphere.
Members left their sketches out as they refilled their drinks for other members to discuss and look at.
After the break model and burlesque dancer Ava Iscariot took to the stage. She is a regular model for Shaill.
Iscariot performed a flesh eating dance in which she rips open a heart and covers herself in it's blood.
Members of the audience are encouraged to draw how they feel most comfortable, with some standing, some sitting, some chatting, some drinking and some leaning against the wall.
The event lasts around two and a half hours and is available to attend via booking tickets through Shaill's website.
Tags: art, burlesque, death, drawing, romance, Valentine's Day
