Description
At the end of every episode of Ru Paul’s Drag Race, Ru Paul states: “If You Can’t Love Yourself, How The Hell Are You Gonna Love Somebody Else?”
And what better form of self-love than giving one’s inner persona the center stage, in the form of drag performance.
There are many different philosophies as to why people wear masks: to hide, to protect, but in the case of drag queens, these masks are worn with pride, in a fabulous display of self-expression.
This painting, titled Irregular Girl, named after the Chicago performer, captures the dancer in one of her many dramatic personas, which can range from 1950s high-femme to Marilyn Monroe-esque country girl. Outside of these masks, which are articulately crafted with makeup and costume, you would never recognize them without it all. Each performance takes on a whole new story and magic, which we wholeheartedly take in and believe.
In the case of Irregular Girl, and many drag queens, the mask is a form of art, which we have the temporary privilege of capturing in that moment.
Rendered in oil impasto on canvas, with a play with magentas and bright, bold pastels, the painting captures the mood and essence of Irregular Girl. Strong brush strokes capture the light drawing attention to the expressive eyes and outline of the key pieces in the costume—the bouffant 1950s hair, the feminine neckline, and the glow of the lips, as the subject moves like an ethereal goddess, gracing the stage. With this mask, even the eyes synergistically play with this mask, taking on the role, as one complete statement.
Oil Impasto on Canvas
24” x 36”
