PHAKE: An Exhibition by Tanzy Vickers

We all have our ideas of how and what makeup should look like on someone. We’re too easy to judge when it comes to appearance, but Geelong born and bred make-up artist and photographer Tanzy Vickers is set to challenge everything you thought you knew about how appearance should be…
How did you first get into make-up artistry and photography? 
I first got into photography when I was  12. I was down at the waterfront and came across the bollards with the Ferris Wheel behind them and thought that it would be an interesting photo, so I decided to just play around with my mum’s camera and that’s where it all started. I was then given a DSLR camera for Christmas that year, where I began taking photography a lot more seriously. I shot my first wedding just after I turned 15, and then another one a month later.
I was never interested in make up until I was 14-15. Well, I wore it, I just never really cared how it looked or thought of it as art. When I was around 14 I began playing around with different colours and would do little photoshoots. Looking back at them now make me cringe, but I guess we all have to start somewhere!
Is having full control of how your concept is perceived (through the make up itself to the photography) something that is really important to you? 
If it is a project of my own, then definitely. But I also love helping others with their projects and helping them be perceived correctly. I want to work in runway shows, so I’m practising a lot on getting concepts perceived correctly, but quickly.
You’ve got an exhibition coming up at Courthouse Arts, can you tell our readers about the concept behind it?
At first, I was hesitant about the exhibition – my family had to talk me into it. It was about six weeks after I’d began my makeup course when I won the competition and The Courthouse contacted me about having an exhibition. I didn’t think I’d have enough work and I never thought I’d ever be able to do anything like this. I’ll be showcasing my street photography, my older photos from when I first began taking photos, and my more recent work when I was meeting new people and turning them into art and capturing it. There’s also behind the scenes polaroids to go with some of my recent photoshoots.
‘Fake’ is a word that can be thrown around in association with makeup wearers, what are your thoughts on the possibilities and use of makeup day-to-day?
I think some people consider makeup wearers to be fake because of the amount some people wear, but personally, I love it – it’s an art. You can change the structure of your face, your eye shape, lip shape; everything. I prefer the more creative and out there side of it, though. The everyday make up and glamour make up doesn’t interest me all that much. I love turning people into art and creating looks you wouldn’t see everyday.
You’ve been described as a ‘trendsetter’, what makeup trends are you currently loving?
A trendsetter?! Oh wow, that’s awesome. I’m really into brows and heavy contouring. I’m a big brow enthusiast and I loooove cheekbones. I’m known for my brows. I’m currently really loving all of Kylie Jenner’s looks. I mix up my everyday look with Kylie Jenner and the ’90s.
What can viewers expect in ‘Phake’?
A reflection of my personality. I’m quite energetic, alternative and over the top. I go to the extreme when it comes to make up. I lose track of time and I get so lost in it.
What’s been your favourite process of putting it all together?  
Definitely meeting all the new people. I’ve gained so much confidence and have already come so far with my make up skills. There’s a piece in the show with this girl who looks almost identical to me, and I used to joke about meeting up with her, doing our make up the same whilst also wearing the same clothes and taking a photo together, and hey, now we have!
Thanks again for taking the time to chat with Forte, are there any last words of wisdom you’d like to share with our readers? 
I’d just say to never doubt yourself or your abilities, and never give up. A year ago, I was failing VCE and was worried that I’d go nowhere, but now I’m a qualified make up artist and have my own solo exhibition coming up! It was a risk choosing not to finish school, but I’m glad I decided not to. I wouldn’t be where I am today.
When & Where: PHAKE opens at Courthouse Arts on Wednesday, October 21 @ 7pm and runs until November 18