The Armor that we Wear.
Drag as an artform explores the idea of gender fluidity in human nature. It encompasses men, women, people who define as both, or neither. Drag is an artform and an escape for many of the artists that do it. For others, they do it for the fantasy and some do it as a form of armor. Just like theater, drag queens and kings get to take on their alter egos for every performance. With drag now becoming a forefront in our media with shows like "RuPaul's Dragrace" and "Dragulla," this is a timely series that gives a closer look at what drag is and how it is created. This series is a photo documentation on the transformation that happens as each artist goes through the process of getting into drag, the transformation in gender, confidence, and personality.
As a society, we are at the point that we are stepping out of the infancy of our studies of sexuality and gender. We have reached a point that we understand that both vary greatly from person to person. When this project was being photographed in 2020, before covid pasused it, the rise of Drag on social media and mainstream media was becoming commonplace and celebrated. In the last few years, drag queens and gender non-conforming people have come under attack by the conservative members of our nation. They have seen their art form banned or under fire in many states. Drag queens and gender non-conforming people are some of the first members of our communities to fight for the community and live their lives authentically without fear. This project is meant to show that unabashed honesty of self and creation of art.
This project follows multiple drag performers as they make the transition into drag. It explores the environment they live and get ready in, the techniques they use to transform their face shapes, and the clothing and tools that create the illusion of feminine body features. Intimate moments mixed with exaggerated faces and spouses and roommates allows for a view into each performers life that defines who they are and the art that they create.
Elliott/Elliott with 2 Ts
He/Him
Bryan Clavel/Privilege Queen
They/Them
Chris and Reynaldo/Phat Patty and Vivian Du Monde
He/Him & He/Him
Keyska Diva
She/Her
