Mythological Fact
Developing the ‘Manse’ character I want to get a balance of creative interpretation with historical fact. I have been looking at two different characters from very different times, firstly Lady Godiva, 980 AD and Pandemonia, 2008. I was drawn to Lady Godiva as she was a real person in history, although she is most famously known for her mythical act of riding naked on the back of a horse through the streets of Coventry. Pandemonia known as the love child of Roy Lichenstein and Jeff Koons is an international contemporary figure making special appearances at fashion shows and private views (http://pandemonia99.blogspot.co.uk). On the surface I am drawn more to Pandemonia and her colourful, fetishy appearance. However I have become more fascinated with Lady Godiva and how her myth is greatly documented as if it were fact.
Her legend goes:
‘Lady Godiva was upset with Leofric for crippling the development of Coventry with taxes. She persistently pleaded with her husband, who eventually said he would reduce the taxes if she rode naked on a horse across the town. Everyone showed their respect by staying indoors and with only her long hair to cover her, Lady Godiva rode through the deserted streets. Only one person looked – the character we now know as Peeping Tom – but as he gave in to the temptation he was struck blind. Amazed by her compassionate deed, her husband fulfilled his promise and reduced the taxes immediately.’ (http://www.bbc.co.uk/coventry/features/stories/2002/04/the-history-of-lady-godiva.shtml)
The woman and legend of Lady Godiva is well documented in works of art such as paintings and sculptures. I am planning to go and see this painting of her by John Collier, 1897 at the Herbert Art Gallery in Coventry. To keep her memory alive today the artist, Pru Porretta, impersonates her. Pru makes appearances at cultural/religious events locally and internationally. I wonder if I could get to meet her? How does someone get to become a legend impressionist? Pru is well known for her creative presentations to different communities and schools. I would love to see her at work as I feel my Manse character will have broad appeal to different ages and contexts. Why does performance only have to happen in an official art space or exhibition?
