The Penis of Urbino by Karen Chappelow

Artist Statement

“Don’t tell me what to do,” thus spake the Penis of Urbino. I set about trying to find out what our modern day Venus of Urbino by Titian and the latter Olympia by Manet would look like. Both of these masterpieces are loaded with symbology and I asked my peers what she would look like today. She would be tattooed and her gender would be more fluid. Alas the Penis of Urbino was born.

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.