Media Man

Madame Lash

Whipped into shape, by Andrea Dixon - 10th August 2006
(Credit: The Sydney Morning Herald)

Mannequins, trapdoors and paintings make this home a wacky museum of the future, writes Andrea Dixon.

A dozen years ago, the controversial and eccentric artist Gretel Pinniger (aka dominatrix Madam Lash) picked up a ruin of a house in Palm Beach for a song.

Florida House is now a gloriously mad landmark on the face of the banal but chic beachside suburb for the super-rich.

"I paid $720,000 for it, which was land value," Pinniger says. "Then I spent about a million on renovations which took forever because the National Trust classified the sandstone walls that hold the house up. Now I adore Florida House and love to spend almost all of my time here."

The artist, whose work has been hung twice in the Archibald, has created a bizarre haven famed for the mannequins in the windows and its garden of sculptures and wacky adornments.

"I've worked to keep the house true to its state of being a guest house. It was built by a Scottish mason who quarried sandstone from the site and built a beachside guesthouse in 1914," she says.

In the "dungeon", the artist's name for the lower ground floor, 15 people can sleep in a dormitory space and small cell-like rooms. "I say if there aren't enough beds, people just have to double up."

The area has a black wooden rack that has appeared on a float in the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and been used as entertainment at many parties. Several of the doors to the tiny cells are prison doors bought from the Kogarah lock-up. One has been adapted into a revolving artwork. But the artist sleeps far from the dungeon.

"I used to have the turret as my bedroom," Pinniger says, "but I have fallen out of the habit of climbing the 28 spiral stairs to get there so I've annexed my son's bedroom now he lives in Bondi."

The house is an extraordinary work in progress and a museum of the future.

"I can't remember how many bedrooms there are, but I have an Anything Can Happen room with a block and tackle on the ceiling, another with a trapdoor and a couple of Chaos rooms full of mannequin limbs and gym equipment," she says.

Her eclectic collection includes fire extinguishers, religious icons, leather whips, old bottles, a Moroccan mirror and a variety of Buddhist bells and images reflecting the artist's embrace of Buddhism following her recent experience with breast cancer.

Pinniger now only spends about four hours a day painting in her vast studio, which has stunning views over Palm Beach.

"An important part of my cure for cancer has been attending retreats run by the Buddhist Foundation and for the sake of my health I'm limiting the amount of time I spend in the studio," she said.

Pinniger is working on two portraits to enter into the Portia Geach Memorial Art Award - one is of Buddhist leader Sogyal Rinpoche and the other is Marque Caban who runs the Kirk, her converted Surry Hills church that is a dedicated arts and performance space.

Florida House is a flowing beach house with a huge country kitchen where Pinniger loves to inspire her guests to cook great feasts (she likes to entertain rather than cook) but her favourite place this winter is the Foxtel Lounge.

"When I can't be found reclining in the winter sun on my big four-poster bed, you'll find me in the Foxtel Lounge which is a cosy corner with a plasma screen where I hunker down with a few stoic characters who are able to brave a Palm Beach winter," she says.

Lashings of love needed - 20th August 2005
(Credit: The Sydney Morning Herald - Spike!)

Gretel Pinniger, aka Madam Lash, has 72 hours to save a life-long dream.

On Tuesday she must come up with a financial solution to appease her extremely patient creditors and allow her to retain ownership of The Kirk, a deconsecrated church in Surry Hills which she bought for $205,000 in 1986 and which has hosted everything from performance artists dangling naked from the ceiling to recitals by principals of the Australian Opera.

"I believe it can be saved," wide-eyed Pinniger says defiantly as she teeters on 12-inch red platform stilettos and attempts to explain the complicated financial quagmire she has landed in over the past two years. Since 2003 she has fought off breast cancer, undergone a mastectomy, had breast reconstruction and ploughed millions of dollars into a Melbourne dance hall. Now she's $3 million in the red, the price she says she has paid for trying to enrich the cultural fabric of the nation.

The Melbourne dance hall has already been sold by the mortgagee, however the deal has left a considerable shortfall. With The Kirk put up as collateral to finance the purchase of the dance hall, Pinniger's inner city creative haven is in serious jeopardy.

"I haven't booked the removalists yet and I believe a solution is out there which will save The Kirk," she says, revealing talk of a reality television series, which would make The Osbournes look like The Waltons. She says she'll do just about anything to ensure The Kirk remains an arts space where creative minds can gather, create and explore. She'll even sell some of the paintings she has created over the years which she never intended to profit from.

"I always considered it my mission, a relentless mission," the almost 60-year-old says of her creative pursuits. "I'm a saint in rubber."

These days Pinniger calls Palm Beach home, where her trademark black hearse with the number plate STIFF is parked in the garage. Yesterday she arrived at The Kirk in an ageing Porsche, with the number plate HOTTIE.

She says her alter ego Madam Lash, who became renamed Immaculate Lash at the 1994 Melbourne Cup, has become an archetype so successful that no one can see the "real girl".

"I've been celibate since 1993," she says. "All my relationships are spiritual. I don't care what they've got in their knickers. I think a lot of people misunderstood me and what I was about ... they won't take The Kirk away from me without a lot of kicking and screaming." (Credit: Fairfax)

ABC Interview - 11th March 2004

Street Stories - Gretel Pinniger/Madam Lash

Madam Lash was the larger-than-life dominatrix who fascinated the Australian imagination in the’70s and ‘80s. Gretel Pinniger, the woman behind the persona, is now 58 and has moved onto other creations, including the ‘4D’ painting concept she is pioneering.

Pinniger’s contribution to the national social fabric has been undervalued according to film-maker Byron Brimstone, who has been documenting her work. “I think we’re not very good in Australia at appreciating our eccentrics,” he says. “Had she been in a different environment, she could have been much more famous.” View photos of Gretel Pinniger and her painting (contains confronting imagery).

The Madam Lash character evolved from a strip act Pinniger performed with whips, and she featured prominently in the media, dressed in outrageous home-made costumes which are now housed in the National Gallery. She was a colourful addition to candidates running for 1996 senate elections, and delivered her Manifesto on Art at the Art Gallery of NSW when one of her paintings was exhibited in the 1995 Archibald Prize.

Pinniger hosted many legendary parties at her spectacular Sydney beachside home, and also established The Kirk, a converted Surry Hills church, as a community arts space and performance venue.

Pinniger is a prolific painter and has spent most of her waking hours in the last eight years working feverishly on ‘4D’, a technique she has developed which involves painting over her earlier works in order to create a virtual reality of the underlying painting.

She believes her relentless dedication to 4D was the cause of her recent battle with breast cancer. As she lay in hospital after a mastectomy, a friend brought her a copy of The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying and she has subsequently embraced Buddhism. Pinniger concedes she still struggles with some of the philosophical tenets, such as the necessity to rid oneself of the desire for fame: “I think fame’s a thrill.”

While Pinniger wants to be remembered in the future for her 4D artwork, she anticipates other activities after completing it and undergoing breast reconstruction surgery. “I’m looking forward to a second life as a showgirl with a bionic [breast] replacement,” she says.

Radio National’s Street Stories is a weekly half hour program devoted to social documentaries. You’ll hear stories and experiences from far and wide, and from people who might live next door, or on a different continent. Part of the Social History and Features Unit, Street Stories places a mirror on the contemporary world, and reflects it in spoken word and sound. (Credit: ABC)

Cat fight puts Clover in pole position, by Kate McClymont - 8th March 2003
(Credit: The Sydney Morning Herald)

Being from the eastern suburbs, MP Clover Moore knows only too well the importance of "position, position, position".

Last Saturday night Clover's Mardi Gras float was threatened with being relegated to the end of the parade after a dispute with organisers over the presence of a cat on the MP for Bligh's float.

Mardi Gras has long had a "no pets in the parade" rule, but it seems one of Clover's followers was insisting that her pet be part of the parade.

Sauce understands organisers stood their ground: either the cat went, or the float did. In the end the moggy lost out and the float joined the parade in its scheduled position.

Meanwhile, in what could only be described as a cruel blow for Clover, bondage and discipline queen Madam Lash (aka Gretel Pinniger) was spotted in a rainbow-coloured latex suit on a float bearing Barri Phatarfod, the ALP candidate for Bligh. Apparently the Whipping One was angered by Clover Moore siding with the neighbours in trying to close her abode, an old church called The Kirk in Surry Hills.

Sleeping in the park comes at a price, by Kate McClymont - 28th September 2002
(Credit: The Sydney Morning Herald)

Since when has Surry Hills been known as Hyde Park South? Maybe since developers moved in.

This week saw the developers of some ritzy new apartment building in Alberta Street, Surry Hills (now to be called Hyde Park South), put up $7000 for an art prize to "welcome a new relationship between the art community and the building industry".

On Wednesday night guests gathered in the soon-to-be-demolished warehouse in Surry Hills/Hyde Park South so that the developers could announce the winner of their competition. Artists had to whip up a gem on the theme of "Evolution of Sydney". On the bizarrely eclectic judging panel was Justin Miller from Sotheby's, Jane Luedecke, Women's Weekly's Deborah Thomas, Bob Nation, architect for the project, Grahame Bond, aka Aunty Jack, Lord Mayor Napoleon Sartor (who has been described by the Premier as being "restless with creativity") and Gretel Pinninger, aka Madame Lash. Sauce wasn't sure whether Madame Lash's splendid outfit, a multicoloured rubber catsuit, was itself an entry.

What an ingenious idea this whole prize-thing has been. The winning entry Jane Bennett's charcoal/acrylic Rebuilding Walsh Bay Wharves is now in the happy hands of the developers, who will be using it to grace the foyer of their new building.

Party whip lashes out in Senate bid, by Tony Barrass - 21st February 1996
(Credit: The West Australian)

Meet Gretel Pinniger or Senator Madam Lash, as she hopes to become.

She and her followers from the Extra Dimension Party has embarked on a big-spending plan she hopes will propel her into the plush red carpets of the Senate.

If she doesn't make it, the Melbourne and Sydney university-educated 50-year old is determined to have a lot of fun trying. An accomplished artist, the Sydney drag queen and entertainer wants to transform Australian politics. But there have been interruptions. She has had public stoushes with the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras organisers, who have kicked her out of this year's parade because she won't declare her sexual preference. And she must finish a painting for entry in the Archibald Prize.

"I am the first extra dimensionalist. I'm still not positive whether the Extra Dimension Party is an art movement, a philosophical movement, a political party or just a prolonged Lash Bash," she squeals as she sits in the studio of her five-level mansion overlooking Sydney's stinkingly wealthy Palm Beach. Her assistant, Miss Demeanour, shows us around the part-museum, part-art gallery residence which houses, among the mannequins, bondage chamber and tower bed room, beautiful 19th century furniture. There's even a bath room mural called The Last Judgment According to Lash.

Gretel Pinniger then emerges as Madam Lash as the tour finishes. And what a sight she makes. "It's been unusual for women to create drag queen persona for themselves, she said. "I learnt it from being a stripper and showgirl. I made my own costumes and I love doing it." Asked why she decided to run for the Senate, she said: "I wish to see politics more enlightened, whether I'm there or not. I would like to be known as an enlightened states person who changed things for the better." Hmmmmmmm.

People, places & things in the news
(Credit: South Coast Today)

Promising to whip lawmakers into shape, a dominatrix is running for Australia's Senate, hitting the campaign trail with her whip, her two-inch fake eyelashes and a spare pair of stiletto heels.
Madame Lash, 50, a former stripper whose real name is Gretel Pinniger, describes her independent campaign as "no-frills, all-thrills."

"If elected, I'll bring leather and rubber, glitter and glamour to Parliament," she said yesterday. "And of course there will be lots of lashes."

Madame Lash insists her campaign has a serious side. At her campaign headquarters - in her basement among the chains, whips, cages and a homemade rack - she has formulated a platform: Cut unemployment, protect Australian companies, end censorship and legalize marijuana.

Madame Lash's candidacy is different - she has even rejected one of the old campaign standards.
"I won't kiss any babies," she said. "People won't let their children anywhere near me."

Travel Restrictions - 9th September 1992
(Credit: The Sydney Morning Herald)

If you are looking for a holiday with a difference, talk to Madame Lash.

The madame (aka Gretel Pinniger), Sydney's long-reigning queen of the disciplinary arts, has set up her own guided tour of the flesh pits of Europe.

Promising to take travellers into "the slick underbelly of Europe's nightlife to plumb the depths of sexual fantasy", the itinerary is mainly focused on Germany.

Included are a cocktail party with Xaviera Hollander in Amsterdam, a whip through Marion's Jailhouse in Frankfurt and an overnight party in a castle outside Munich built by the grandfather of Frederick the Gruesome which boasts its own torture chamber and starvation tower.

To qualify for the tour which is planned for April next year, applicants have to pass a personal interview with Madame Lash.

MEDIA RELEASE - 22 January 1996
Madam Lash at 'the Nash'

Noted Sydney identity Gretel Pinniger (Madame Lash), is arriving in Canberra on Tuesday morning 23 January to help with the hanging of her famous portrait Poppy King *Poppy Wears The Seven Deadly Sins* for the new exhibition Australians of the Year at the National Portrait Gallery.

Ms Pinniger will be arriving at the steps of Old Parliament House at 10.30am in her custom decorated pink vehicle with her chauffer Scott.

To be opened by the Prime Minister Mr Paul Keating on 25 January as part of the annual Presentation of Australia Day Awards, Australians of the Year will be exhibited at the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra until 9 June.

The collaboration between the National Australia Day Council and the National Portrait Gallery has resulted in a stunning and original exhibition featuring at least one portrait of ever Australian of the year since the award was established in 1960 as well as portraits of the 17 Young Australians of the Year.

Poppy King*Poppy Wears The Seven Deadly Sins* is the largest work on display and will have a dominant presence in this vibrant and boldly designed exhibition. Miss Pinniger, who is a candidate for the Senate, launched her new Extra Dimension Party in 1995.

Australians of the Year features oil paintings, sculpture, studio photographs, ephemera, film footage and a range of other material drawn from institutions and private collections from around the country.

The media is invited to an exclusive preview of the exhibition itself on Thursday morning 25 January at 10.30 am in the National Portrait Gallery.

Manifesto on Art

I believe that True Art comes only from the highest impulse within ourselves, which we must seek and find by a process involving Faith, Focus, Discipline and constant Practise. For me this is so exhilarating, blissful and such Fun, my dedicated wish is to share my views with as many people as possible.

I look to the example of the Greatest Masters of Art and Music to find what I seek to bring to the practise of Art. In company with them, I am concerned with only the most exalted subjects - Religious and Spiritual themes and Portraits of only the most highly vibrational individuals, usually themselves Musicians and Artists of all kinds and other people I admire as being well advanced on the path to human enlightenment. I celebrate their art and personal qualities with my own abilities, in the belief that I will leave behind me each time, a work which will give pleasure to many generations through contemplating what I do. I hope that they may know this person or this state as I do, through my art. Therefore for me 'art' concerned with misery, squalor and inhumanity, or portraits of unenlightened people or losers, suicides or murderers are not for me.

Although I have been painting for over 25 years, with new focus in the last 3 years, I have so far, never sold and hardly ever parted with any of my paintings. They are painted from the pure delight of doing so, and my belief that, that painting should exist.

I intend my works to be placed only in major public places where they may live after me, eg. Opera Houses and Galleries. The others stay with me and are to be incorporated into my larger 'Works in Progress', 'The Kirk' Cleveland St, Surry Hills and 'Florida House' Florida Rd, Palm Beach, both of these being large old stone buildings, now being transformed into live in Art Works where I seek to attract under my roof the energies of any and all like minded Art and Fun-Lovers on the basis of "The better you look, the better I look, the better we'll all look".

Press Release

Spice up your love life with the Sydney Hilton’s Provocateur package - 12th March 2007

Whilst what goes on in the bedroom may be an embarrassing topic for some and not for others, the Sydney Hilton has come forward to say that it undoubtedly matters whether we’re talking about it or not. After recently commissioning a survey, the Sydney Hilton have released findings showing that while Sydney siders want to heat things up between the sheets, over a third (31%) are too embarrassed to seek ideas, and 27% don’t know who to go to for tips.

In an effort to relieve the frustrations of the 58% of those who are not getting new ideas of how to liven it up in the bedroom, the Hilton has come up with a seductive new package for guests called ‘Hilton Provocateur.’ The Hilton created this new concept package in consultation with Sydney’s sex icon Madame Lash (Gretel Pinniger) and Luke Mangan. The experience will combine Madame Lash’s own seduction tips for the bedroom and Luke Mangan’s new Aphrodisiac tasting platter. This night guarantees to provide guests with the inspiration and means to add that extra something to their love lives.

“Ask people to name an aphrodisiac and most would say the oyster. But does anyone know that basil, truffles, vanilla and figs are all just as powerful? The scent and taste of vanilla in particular is said to increase lust,” said Mangan.

“After 30 years of transforming hotel rooms to my own imagination and my lover’s requirements, I’m excited about sharing my tips for the first time to help create the sexy ‘Hilton Provocateur’ – I hope everyone can share in this fun package and enjoy themselves as much as I have!” commented Lash.

The Hilton Provocateur night also includes a Bath Master package which brings to life the Roman practice of sensual aromatic bathing. Guests can also enhance their experience and get into the mood with their own soundtrack which can be personally compiled by all couples.

“This experience is about improving your relationship by pushing the boundaries and having a bit of fun with your partner”, said Lash. “With ‘Hilton Provocateur’ taking care of your sexy night, all you will need to worry about is who to take.”

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