Ham and High, 7th May 2004

Portrait Painter Plays a Game of Cluedo

People / Prop / Place is an intriguing portraiture project by Crouch End Artist Claire Alexander.

She invited 15 people to sit for a portrait with two random factors - an object and a setting which they 'selected' by picking numbers from an undisclosed list. This must be ringing bells with Cluedo fans: Colonel Mustard in the billiard room with the lead piping.

Her venture proved so popular that 30 people wanted to join in. She ended up with local names like actress Vicky Ogden (Lipstick in the kitchen) and Haringey Lib Dem Councilor David Winskill (Candle under a tree).

Claire's plan was to bring spontaneity into the portraits, but she has also livened up her sitters' lives. As Marc Clegg said: 'After spending an hour putting on ladies' clothing and far too

much make-up, I was extremely relieved to find that the person ringing my doorbell was Claire and not the plumber!'

Her zesty approach to subject matter is mirrored in a fresh style.

Claire studied fine art at Canterbury and has specialised in portraiture since September. She brings a modern approach to art, preferring a photography session and a questionnaire to lengthy sittings.

Alison Oldham

Picture: Tony Gay

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