Institution
Limerick School of Art and Design (LSAD)
Medium
Sculpture
Graduation Year
Class of 2024
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My art is a joyful exploration of drag, expressed through the whimsical creation of drag dolls, drag masks and photography. These are the some of the artistic mediums I use to explore the world of drag. My art is a vibrant celebration of self-expression as a performative act, identity, and metamorphosis. Drag is a form of art that is fundamentally about pushing boundaries and questioning social norms. It's a vibrant place where art, culture, and gender all come together to create a resilient and creative world. The drag dolls I make are not just depictions of fictional characters; rather, they are representations of the diversity and essence of the drag culture. Every doll has been meticulously created to capture the narratives of drag performers while also being separate from specific drag artists. I want to convey the spirit of drag, with all of its flamboyance, campery, defiance, and celebration of individuality, through these dolls. The details, like their opulent costumes, entice onlookers to interact with the variety of identities found in drag culture. The drag masks serve as a metaphor for the many faces we wear in our journey of self-discovery and expression. In drag, masks serve to reveal deeper aspects of the wearer rather than to conceal. Every mask in my collection is a work of transformation, embellished with striking hues, patterns, and allegory that reference the audacity and theatricality of drag shows. They pose questions about the adaptability of identity and the success of self-reinvention to the audience. However, the Masks also represent many who feel they must wear a mask to feel accepted or safe. My method of bringing the world of drag dolls and masks to life is furthered through the use of photography. Every image I take of performance captures the minute details, textures, and feelings of the Drag performers while in their element. I can exaggerate the campery and shenanigans through the lens, emphasizing the vivid hues, bold facial expressions, and dramatic positions that characterize drag culture. My drag photography celebrates the artistry and joy of drag and extends an invitation to see it from a fresh, personal angle. Inspirations Drag is a dynamic interplay between the internal and external selves that is always evolving. The rich history of drag culture, from its underground beginnings to its widespread recognition, as well as the individual tales of drag performers who use their art as a means of self-expression and liberation, serve as inspiration for my creations. I draw inspiration from the vibrant costumes, larger-than-life characters, and the infectious joy that drag performers bring to the stage. My pieces reflect a love for the playful, the exaggerated, and the theatrical. These are elements that are central to the drag experience.
