Madama Butterfly by Karen Chappelow

Artist Statement

“Madama Butterfly a Japanese tragedy in which sex, betrayal and suicide play the central theme. Pinkerton an American naval officer who marries and impregnates Cio Cio San (butterfly). He returns to America with no word to Cio Cio San and marries. Upon hearing of a child he returns with new wife in tow to take the child back to America. Cio Cio San chooses to die rather than live in shame commits Seppuku. This is a tragic story of colonialism, perceived advantages and imbalances of power and the added contradiction of the ritual death being an honourable death, taking extreme psychological courage to claw back some honour. I have subverted it giving her the power and the bloody blade a suggestion of the death of Pinkerton, the symbol in her hand denoting freedom.”

About the Artist

“I like it when I get a physical reaction from people when they view my art.  The whimsy, fun and sometimes political nature of life is evident in my work.  By expressing the fierceness of a female, the ridiculous in a scenario, becomes a message turned into humour softening the blow, breaking down barriers.  The expressionist nature of my work tries to blur the edges of reality and hopefully makes people smile, wonder, think and create conversation.”

Karen Chappelow has been sculpting and painting for more than 20 years, she has a drive for bucking the system and invites the viewer to view life through a different lens. Karen has collectors both Nationally and Internationally.

In recent times Karen has been extensively exhibiting in New York, Madrid, Luxembourg, Berlin, Rome and Malmo-Sweden. Also exhibiting in group shows in Perth and Melbourne. Karen’s work has appeared on the “The Block” a TV renovation show on Channel 9.

Karen will also be appearing in Home Design Magazine August 2023 edition.

Follow Instagram and Facebook @karenchappelow_artist for new work.