This modern take on classic Film Noir takes on a cinematic feel, where gorgeous primped women handle weapons like pros in a collection of photographic art. Lovers of Noir will enjoy the simplicity of the black and white photography and the dramatic effects created using Hollywood starlets from the 1930s/40s era.

Helen McLean, the talented artist behind Notorious Dames, admits this collection is not for the faint hearted. “It includes violence, coarse language and sexual references while showcasing dead-sexy femme fatales. Just as Sin City was created, models have been photographed in the studio using classic butterfly lighting, while the beefed-up hot rods and Australian landscapes were shot separately and put together in post-production.”

McLean says working with the models was an experience and a half. “From running on the spot, shooting at imaginary people, and feigning being shot, they all managed to pull off a “suspicious” look with style!” Notorious Dames has been cast with some of the baddest people in town, including Samantha Doll, Himstress, Rosy Rabbit, Saly Arnott, Devil Doll, Miss B, and the man with an axe, Johhny Wishbone.

A night out to see Sydney band the Snowdroppers saw McLean stumble across her leading man. “Johhny’s button-up braces and slicked back hair are what grabbed my attention, if only I knew how difficult a lad he would be to work with. He was distracted by the strobe lights and swung the axe around like a man possessed,” McLean admits.

Wishbone though, says he easily fell into the role of the victim. “Women to me are creatures that I both fear and revere all at the same time, so I had no problem playing the victim. I was however a little disappointed at not being allowed near any of the live specimens,” he recalls.

McLean says Notorious Dames shouldn’t be taken seriously. “There’s definitely a story in there somewhere, but that’s up to the individual to write. Did she kill him or did he kill her and make off with her car before the other dame tracked him down? That’s entirely up to the viewer.”

Fellow artist and critic James Inabinet says this collection has serious bite. “As a lover of Noir I was immediately struck by the seamless representation of the genre. The photo’s ooze a dark sexuality where the erotic is sensual and inviting while also ambivalent and cruel. The subjects have little concern at the presence of the viewer or even for the victim who may have just been killed.. or is about to be..”

Tommy guns, hot-roads, cigars and sex kittens in their undergarments are just a taste of what you’ll find when you discover McLean’s exhibition of Notorious Dames, running from January 21 until February 14 at Kustom Lane Gallery.