Madame Dabi's striking Sapphic work has drawn art lovers around the world. With pastel feminine colors, 1920's motifs, and gentle kink incorporated, it's such a unique expression that we may be drawn to see ourselves (or desire to be) in these moments. We become a voyeur and take a front seat to see the feminine form uplifted and adored through a soft lens. Madame Dabi graciously opened up to share more about the process, intention, and personal story with her art...
"I have always drawn, my mother always tells me that since I was very little I started drawing.
To follow my passion for art I first attended an art high school and then I graduated in art history at university.
It was by studying art history that I discovered how the idea of gender, role and sexuality has changed throughout history. Starting from ancient Greece, the Roman Empire and then passing through the darkness of the Middle Ages and so on...but the historical period of the 20s is what immediately struck me and then influenced my illustrations. It was a time when women broke with the traditions and norms of the old society, they began to claim their rights and their role.
The freedom of self-expression of the queer world of that period strongly influenced me, both the aesthetic aspect and the freedom of expression. Starting from this love for the world of flappers of the 20s, the Madame Dabi project was born.
I must admit that I do a lot of research, I study a lot, I watch a lot of movies and I go to museums and galleries. I am constantly taking notes that then become illustrations.
In the first phase I elaborate a series of sketches of the main subject, then I elaborate the background. Once I have done the pencil sketch of the subject I proceed with the final lines with the pen. If the linear part convinces me I move on to the color phase.
I can repeat each phase even several times until I am satisfied. The color part amuses me a lot because I can use different techniques and artistic materials. After this very old fashioned part of my work, for some illustrations I move on to the elaboration with the help of digital drawing tools.
My approach to illustration really changed when I realized that it wasn't just a hobby but that I couldn't do without it.
While the style evolved when I improved technically, there is still work to be done in this sense, only by studying and persevering will I be able to constantly improve.
In addition to the technical study of drawing, what makes me evolve is knowledge: knowledge of realities different from mine, new people and new places. These experiences make me want to communicate more complex ideas through my works. I always hope to always become better at my work.
I think my first challenge was being born a woman in a city in southern Italy in the 90s. It's not a lifetime ago but things were very different.
My perspectives were already well defined by the context in which I lived but I have always been very rebellious. At the time everything was permeated by toxic masculinity and the desire to dissent and look for alternative models gave birth to what I am today and to my creative vision.
I graduated in art, and for two years I was an apprentice in a small painting studio. While I was at university I stopped completely, it made me feel bad to think that there was no real future as an artist. Then, as soon as I graduated from university I felt the need to do something creative and I started using pastels because I was given a box of pastels (which I still have!), a tool that I had never used seriously. It took years to make any progress.
For the subjects as I said, the study of art and the love for the 20s have determined my subjects and my style. I mainly use soft pastels and colored pencils for my illustrations.
Queer art has always been found in art, and some have an inestimable value not only for their market value but also for their value of historical reconstruction of society. Queer art used to seem to cause more scandal in the past, now thanks to the new generations, this has changed a lot. The representation of the queer world is essential today, especially because in many parts of the world society is taking huge steps backwards, limiting and violating people's freedom. Only in this way can we pave the way for the queer art of the future.
It is the duty of art and artists to represent the LGBTQ community, art in all its forms has an important political function that contributes to the creation of an alternative culture. Art, which should not be subjected to censorship, is the ideal expression of the message of freedom.
I create my illustrations with the internal need to create something aesthetically beautiful and I illustrate intimate life scenes, obviously what I can post on social media has limits. I explore the figure of the woman unaware of who looks at her and who sees sexuality with dreamy lightness. Many women who follow me on Instagram, write to me because they identify with this aesthetic that describes a sensuality and a vision of sex that is not scandalous or indecent, a very feminine perspective! Knowing that I am doing something that has value for others and that makes them feel seen makes me really happy.
This is a phase of personal and professional growth for me. I'm working on future projects but it's something that takes time. I'm working on an illustrated book and I've bought a house with the idea of rebuilding it in Madame Dabi style (my personal creative project) and I'd like to share this project. For collaborations, there are some things in the works, I often collaborate with lingerie designers, and I really like it.
SM: "Do you have any words of wisdom for your younger self?"
I am not a very wise person, so I use other people's words of wisdom:
"The hardest thing is the decision to act, the rest is pure tenacity. Fears are paper tigers" Amelia Earhart'
Interview by Sapphic Market
Madame Dabi's work can be purchased at MadameDabi.etsy.com
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