King

We all read images in a different way. According to our cultural codes, upbringing, social network and experience we have built our own «image-library». Thus, our association to a depiction varies depending on that.

With the example of these Portraits this theory is made visible. What do you see?

While living in Melbourne, Australia, I got to know some people from the drag scene there. Some close friends of mine introduced me to the drag scene there. We would hang out at Bars like Nevermore and Sircuit that were both popular for their shimmering drag shows. Nevermore, a small, cozy bar with a stage close to the audience would have drag King shows on once a week. When my friends asked me to join them the first time I had no idea what would be awaiting me.

I was fascinated by the young woman dressed up as men. Sporting beards and mustaches they had drawn on with eyeliner. In the dim light of the bar, some were hard to believe not to be men.

This fascination led me to portray these amazing people.