KINGS COURT
BY VEE SPEERS
Australian photographer Vee Speers has drawn inspiration from a wide array of historical and cultural sources throughout her career, but her most recent influence is from the extravagant courts of Versailles. For Speers, this offers fertile ground for exploring contemporary themes of identity, performance, and illusion.
In her work, Speers often incorporates elements reminiscent of Versailles: theatrical poses, stylized costumes, and a painterly aesthetic that nods to the classical portraiture of the period. Yet her images also reveal the vulnerability and artifice behind such carefully constructed appearances. Like the courtiers who lived under the ever-watchful eye of the King, her subjects seem caught between self-expression and societal expectation, between mask and reality.
By channeling the spirit of Versailles, Speers doesn’t merely pay homage to a historical era—she uses its visual language to comment on our own age of performance, curated identities, and the complex dance between power and self-presentation.
THE OUTDOOR EXHIBITION
The outdoor version contains in total 24-32 pictures with light to set up in a public space. Every picture Is well curated to fit into the theme and message we want to communicate according to the what sport brings to the world. As an option we have a pod where there is films to show connected to the show.
The layout of the stands is designed to support the visual impact of the images. The focus is on the images themselves, but they are accompanied by concise, easy-to-read text that clearly communicates what is being displayed. We aim to position this text in the lower area of the screens, where it integrates seamlessly with the images. Each caption is carefully styled with a specific typeface and formatting that enhances readability without detracting from the visuals.
THE CONTENT OF THE TEXT
Each screen includes text that enhances what you see, providing context and meaning beyond the image itself. We prioritize sharing knowledge in our exhibitions because it’s essential to engage meaningfully, especially within public spaces. Here’s how we would express ourselves if we were to present images of show jumping:
Example text:
SHOWJUMPING
Show jumping became an Olympic sport in 1900 at the Summer Olympics in Paris, marking the first time equestrian sports were introduced to the Olympic Games. Equestrian sports then disappeared from the Olympics but returned in 1912 in Stockholm, where show jumping, dressage, and eventing became official and recurring Olympic events.
A total of 75 riders participated in show jumping at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Out of these, 30 riders qualified for the individual final. In the final, 20 clear rounds were recorded, meaning 10 riders incurred penalties at the obstacles.
ARTWORKS
The pictures created for this show are available as fine art print.
If you are interested in art prints by Geoff Lowe, please contact us.
+46703757787
per@uponwalls.com
