Brighton-based photographer and Art Director; Greg Bailey has been taking pictures of the drag community for years – although the Helm Gallery basement is the first space to snap up his larger-than-life images as a solo show just in time for the Pride celebrations.
What is Lavender Boy?
Celebrating the glamour and personalities, rather than a series of men wearing lavender, or colour-coded handkerchiefs, Bailey has taken his grannie’s moniker, “Lavender Boy”, which was used back in the 1920s to refer to feminine and gay men.
Focussing on non-binary performers, the trans and lesbian communities and People of Colour, the exhibition is as inclusive as it is educational – highlighting that drag is no longer a subsector of the gay community – it is now an accessible part of today’s culture. The Queens are truly fabulous with expertly done makeup, hair and clothing. Not an unnecessary sequin in sight!
With a history in documenting drag, Bailey founded a dedicated magazine, “Alright Darling?” in 2015, and it was later developed into a photography book “Alright Darling? The Contemporary Drag Scene” which celebrated emerging talent as well as the stars of the community – which in turn, led to him shooting cover stories for major publications.
Clearly, having a good relationship with the subjects is key to capturing the ‘divas’ and only Drag King, ‘Don One’, in expressing themselves in the way they are most comfortable; and “Lavender Boy” will make you question your understanding of sexuality and gender, which is as transient as the tide!
From famous Ru Paul’s Drag Race stars Trixie Mattel and Katya Zamolodchikova to more edgy and editorial Queens, the photography is as personal as it is candid, as Bailey documents the highs and lows of drag artists and their unabashed beauty, in an unprecedented insight into one of the more enigmatic sides of queer culture, which is constantly evolving – never conforming, leaving plenty of room for thought.
Catch Lavender Boy at the Helm Gallery, Brighton from August 1 to September 1 and find out more about the artist here: Greg Bailey
