July 14, 2017
by carrie
V/I/S/A/G/E is a creative collaboration between Belfast based photographer Carrie Davenport, graphic designer/nightclub promoter Aaron Eakin, carpenter Gareth Martin, Kaizen Print and six of Belfast’s most prominent and prolific Drag Queens. Launching at ArtCetera Studio on Thursday 27th July and exhibiting daily from 11am-5pm until Saturday 5th August, V/I/S/A/G/E comprises of a series of portrait photographs. Each Drag Queen is depicted in both their male and Drag identities, representing the six colours of the rainbow flag. A number of the pieces are rendered on 3D structural canvases which the viewer can interact with. Origins of the term Drag are widely disputed, but it’s believed to be an acronym for ‘Dressed Resembling A Girl’, a theatrical term dating back to Shakespearean plays. More than just fun and colourful entertainers, Drag Queens have been at the forefront of the fight for LGBTQ rights, dating back to the Stonewall riots of 1969. Exhibiting as part of the 2017 Belfast Pride festival, the project’s purpose is to explore, highlight and celebrate an ancient theatrical art form that has evolved from LGBTQ culture to the mainstream. RED: Matthew Cavan / Cherrie Ontop ORANGE: Adam Renshaw / Rusty Hinges YELLOW: Marcus Hunter-Neill / Portia Di’ Monte GREEN: Michael Hillman / Misty Falls BLUE: Joshua Cargill / Blu Hydrangea VIOLET: Robert McCready / Titti Von Tramp V/I/S/A/G/E at ArtCetera Studio, 43 Rosemary Street, Belfast. Launching Thursday 27th July at 7pm. Open daily (except Sunday) from 11am-5pm. In association with The Maverick. Admission free.