British artists Alison Jackson - whose oeuvre is outspoken and controversial - has repeatedly represented Queen Elizabeth II. Jackson’s extensive body of work investigates our media-made realm, trying to deconstruct and consistently challenge our perception of what is believed to be authentically true and what is not, thus fake. The artist, who upholds reality to be a blurred line in-between - one we have long lost control and awareness of - plays upon iconic images and celebrities’ portraits. Her works convey a strong mise-en-scène effect, her subjects are cleverly styled lookalikes inhabiting scenarios often questioned by society. In recent times, Jackson has hit the records with great sales at auction, including Sotheby’s auction house, where popular Princess Diana Gives the Finger was sold. Despite Jackson’s analytical lens, Her Majesty appears in her representations most often as tender and caring. She is portrayed as an ordinary person leading her private daily life, going to the post office, reading letters, and simply doing life accompanied - where possible - by her corgis. Every shot is incredibly convincing and presents made-up private moments that we have been all wondering about as we walk by the sumptuous palace. Jackson’s pictures want to lift a veil and suddenly allow us to see through the opulent walls behind the ever-standing guards.

There is a perceived distance between the ordinary audience and the Queen further enhanced by her opulent regalia. However, it is as if Her Majesty would want to step away and be just like the watchers, ordinary and undoubtedly free.