‘All That Glitters’ is an
exhibition of work from Blackpool alumni and multi award winning professional photographer
Richard Weston that explores the lives and individual stories behind the glitz
and glamour of professional drag artists.
It’s a deeply personal project
for Richard whose image “Portrait of My Son”, capturing a moment of connection
between him and his son, Samuel, dressed as his alter ego “Candy Fierce” won
the coveted National Open Art competition in 2016.
Working closely with the performers
Richard set out to capture the backstage transformation of these ordinary young
men to their on-stage drag queen divas.
The experience of working with
the performers so engaged Richard it saw him undergo his own metamorphosis, to create
his own drag artist persona “Sugar Fury” at the skilled hands of son, Samuel. Preparation
took three hours and gave Richard an insight into the demanding levels of
professionalism and hard work of the artists.
This image, entitled ‘Between Two Worlds’ went onto win the Greater
Manchester Arts Prize in 2018.
Commenting on the results of the
intricate make up “To see this stranger looking back at me, and trying to
reconcile the image with the me inside, made me think deeply about how we see
ourselves and how we judge - and in turn are judged - on our appearance and
looks”
‘All That Glitters’ is still a
work in progress and Richard is looking to expand the exhibition further to include
new imagery and video interviews of the artists. If you are professional drag artist and would
like to be involved please get in touch.
On until 20th December.
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