Art + Punk = Karen Chappelow

Art Lovers | 20 February 2023

Written by Amelia Pontifex

“Buy the ticket, take the ride” – Hunter S Thompson

Mum of three grownup children who have all left home, artist Karen Chappelow lives on 110 acres in a forest in Moondyne, Western Australia.

“I have an art studio and pottery studio on our property so I can create at my whim. In my younger life in the 80s I was a punk and am very much moved and excited by music and art of that oeuvre- I still have a ‘punk’ attitude to many things including offering a daring commentary on the role of women in contemporary society.”

No scurvy here | 51 x71cm, Textured acrylic and mixed media on stretched canvas

Drawing references from history, anthropology, mythology, and pop culture, Karen’s works look to overthrow traditional gender dynamics and in a way, hand the reins of control back to women in an unapologetic manner and add a little twist of sass and humour to the mix.

A Lad Insane | 88 x 100cm, Acrylic on canvas

“In a previous life when the kids were small I worked in Accounting and later a pottery business supplying many large stores. I have exhibited for many years both nationally and Internationally exhibitions in early 2022 in New York, Madrid and Luxembourg and am currently working on a few series of new works.”

The Plague Doctors New Reality | 79 x 79cm, Acrylic on canvas

One of the biggest inspirations and influences on Karen’s works is the early 20th century Austrian artist Egon Schiele. Schiele’s elongated, distorted and sometimes disturbing works are noted for their focus on sex, the body and self-discovery. The twisted body shapes and the expressive line that characterise Schiele’s paintings and drawings mark the artist as an early exponent of Expressionism. Expressionism, known for its free style and social commentary, play large roles in Karen’s works.

I licked it, it’s mine | 30 x 40cm, Acrylic on canvas

“Expressing the fierceness of a female, the ridiculousness of a scenario and a message spoken through humour, softens the blow to break down barriers leading to acceptance. I blur the edges of reality and aim to make people smile and to think and create conversations.”

Ancient stories of women’s struggles and power also inspire Karen’s artistic narratives.

“The female has always been the one who is downtrodden and it’s still the same way. I like to think that my work supports women through that process by showing them the history that women have endured. For example, the story of Joan of Arc, flip it and twist it. I like to tell a new story and not reinvent the story but to invert the misogyny. Holding up the women and very much bringing out a little punk attitude.”

Justitia | 96 x 216cm, Acrylic and ink on canvas framed in wood

This can again be seen through Karen’s inspiration by the Austrian painter Gustav Klimt. Taking insight from the works of Klimt, Karen seeks to again invert the traditional understandings of a woman’s role by painting women as empowered and seeks to strengthen their place by reclaiming their historical vulnerability and highlight the absurdity of the long held ‘truths’ that have ruled and promoted bigotry, racism and homophobia.

Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer by GUSTAV KLIMT

Ned is berserker for citrus by KAREN CHAPPELOW

“Life to modern day has depicted women in an also ran role, weak or as a victim-it’s crazy that we are still discussing these issues centuries later. So with humour I want to retell them and give the female the power back. Whilst also highlighting the absurdity of some issues.”

A great deal of research goes into Karen’s works. She spends time reading and learning seeking to gain perspective on her subject-trying to create a cohesive conversation on the canvas.

This is not my beautiful wife | 46 x 46cm, Acrylic on canvas

“Sometimes I make it harder by tying in an unrelated subject or music, song, singer etc. to shake it up or twist it in a surreal sense. Lyrics and beautiful words also can stop me in my tracks and I often develop ideas and pictures in my head from them-inspiring a piece of artwork.”