Life Upside Down | Published Original Graphite Figure Study (2016)

Published Artwork • Solo Exhibition Piece • Ready to Hang

Life Upside Down is an original graphite drawing created in 2016 as part of a solo exhibition exploring the history, athleticism, and artistry of pole dance through highly detailed figurative drawing.

This work was selected for publication in the 40th Anniversary Edition of Argus Magazine, "Masquerade" (2016), an art and literary publication produced in Natchitoches, Louisiana.

More than a study of movement, Life Upside Down is a portrait of strength.

The composition captures a dancer suspended in a controlled inverted position, twisting around the pole with remarkable precision. One arm reaches beneath the body to secure the pole while the opposite arm extends upward behind the legs, creating a flowing rhythm that guides the viewer through the composition.

Long, wavy hair partially conceals the face, shifting the emphasis away from identity and toward movement itself. Every line of the torso reflects the intense engagement of the core muscles required to maintain the pose, while the composition highlights the elegance that exists within extraordinary physical control.

Rather than presenting pole dance as spectacle, this drawing celebrates discipline, athleticism, balance, and grace.

Publication

Published in:

Argus Magazine – 40th Anniversary Edition: Masquerade (2016)

Series Context

This drawing is part of a larger body of work examining the historical connections between pole dance and belly dance while challenging misconceptions surrounding both disciplines. Through extensive historical research and anatomical observation, the series presents pole dance as an art form rooted in strength, movement, and technical mastery. 

This exhibition series was developed through extensive observational study of professional pole and belly dancers, combined with independent anatomical drawing practice.

The artist’s approach focused on translating real-world movement, balance, and performance-based strength into highly detailed graphite figure studies.

Artwork Details

• Original graphite drawing (2016)

• Published artwork

• Medium: Graphite on paper

• Custom handmade frame

• Wired and ready to hang

• One of a kind

• Exhibition original

Pricing

$250

Artist's Note

Of all the graphite works created for this exhibition, Life Upside Down remains one of the pieces I feel most connected to. It represents everything I hoped this body of work would communicate—that extraordinary strength and remarkable beauty are not opposing ideas, but exist together in a single moment of movement.