ARTISTS
Julian Fleisher: The Drag Queens of New York
This fall marks the 30th anniversary of the publication of the landmark The Drag Queens of New York: An Illustrated Field Guide (Riverhead), by Julian Fleisher.
Curated by Howl!鈥檚 Aldo Hern谩ndez, author Julian Fleisher and TWEED Theater鈥檚 Kevin Malony, DQNY30 draws from Fleisher鈥檚 original archive, bringing together never-before-seen photographs, taped audio interviews, handwritten notes, correspondence, surveys and more. Many of these materials 鈥� including recorded talks not only with dozens of legendary drag queens, but also, among others, bell hooks, Sandra Bernhard, Fran Lebowitz, and Quentin Crisp 鈥� have been newly digitized and restored. It offers a glimpse into the complicated process of chronicling New York鈥檚 legendary drag scene and the artists who shaped it 鈥� all during a time which, in spite of its provocative spirit, now seems almost quaint.
Published in 1996, 鈥淒QNY鈥� was years, if not decades, ahead of its time: the first trade paperback from a major publisher to celebrate the history, culture, lives and careers of the golden age of New York鈥檚 riotous drag scene. Framed (somewhat cheekily) as a field guide, it devotes much of its time to the long, hidden history of drag in New York and its persistent interrogation of the prevailing culture, mores and norms. The book then concludes with nearly thirty iconic profiles, telling the creation stories of such drag legends as Lady Bunny, Lypsinka, Charles Busch, Sherry Vine, Candis Cayne, Mona Foot, Hattie Hathaway, Mistress Formika, Tabboo!, Miss Understood, Afrodite, Dolores, Sweetie and many more. Almost every story is accompanied by a unique studio portrait by photographer Brooke Williams.
鈥淭he Drag Queens of New York was meant to be more than just a snapshot. It was a genuine effort to capture the magic and creativity of the artists who made the scene an unforgettable explosion of color, wit, lunacy and defiance.鈥� says Fleisher. 鈥淟ike the original book, DQNY30 is a fresh celebration of that unique moment as well as of the performers, audiences, connoisseurs, historians, fans and all those who contributed their wisdom, grit and spirit 鈥� both on stage and off. It was a side-hustle that took on a life of its own.鈥�
The exhibition promises a journey through years of drag culture, using images, audio, and ephemera from Fleisher鈥檚 original sessions, as well as a peek at the sometimes chaotic process of making the book itself. During its run, the exhibit will also include panels, discussions and more, inviting fresh, contemporary perspectives on the legacy and continued relevance of New York鈥檚 ever-fierce drag community. Copies of the original book 鈥� long out of print, but widely cherished 鈥� will be available for reference during the show.
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This fall marks the 30th anniversary of the publication of the landmark The Drag Queens of New York: An Illustrated Field Guide (Riverhead), by Julian Fleisher.
Curated by Howl!鈥檚 Aldo Hern谩ndez, author Julian Fleisher and TWEED Theater鈥檚 Kevin Malony, DQNY30 draws from Fleisher鈥檚 original archive, bringing together never-before-seen photographs, taped audio interviews, handwritten notes, correspondence, surveys and more. Many of these materials 鈥� including recorded talks not only with dozens of legendary drag queens, but also, among others, bell hooks, Sandra Bernhard, Fran Lebowitz, and Quentin Crisp 鈥� have been newly digitized and restored. It offers a glimpse into the complicated process of chronicling New York鈥檚 legendary drag scene and the artists who shaped it 鈥� all during a time which, in spite of its provocative spirit, now seems almost quaint.
Published in 1996, 鈥淒QNY鈥� was years, if not decades, ahead of its time: the first trade paperback from a major publisher to celebrate the history, culture, lives and careers of the golden age of New York鈥檚 riotous drag scene. Framed (somewhat cheekily) as a field guide, it devotes much of its time to the long, hidden history of drag in New York and its persistent interrogation of the prevailing culture, mores and norms. The book then concludes with nearly thirty iconic profiles, telling the creation stories of such drag legends as Lady Bunny, Lypsinka, Charles Busch, Sherry Vine, Candis Cayne, Mona Foot, Hattie Hathaway, Mistress Formika, Tabboo!, Miss Understood, Afrodite, Dolores, Sweetie and many more. Almost every story is accompanied by a unique studio portrait by photographer Brooke Williams.
鈥淭he Drag Queens of New York was meant to be more than just a snapshot. It was a genuine effort to capture the magic and creativity of the artists who made the scene an unforgettable explosion of color, wit, lunacy and defiance.鈥� says Fleisher. 鈥淟ike the original book, DQNY30 is a fresh celebration of that unique moment as well as of the performers, audiences, connoisseurs, historians, fans and all those who contributed their wisdom, grit and spirit 鈥� both on stage and off. It was a side-hustle that took on a life of its own.鈥�
The exhibition promises a journey through years of drag culture, using images, audio, and ephemera from Fleisher鈥檚 original sessions, as well as a peek at the sometimes chaotic process of making the book itself. During its run, the exhibit will also include panels, discussions and more, inviting fresh, contemporary perspectives on the legacy and continued relevance of New York鈥檚 ever-fierce drag community. Copies of the original book 鈥� long out of print, but widely cherished 鈥� will be available for reference during the show.
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