Bulli High School
The Thespian
Drawing
Graphite and Coloured pencil on paper
Homophobia is still deeply engrained in contemporary society, although recent acceptance of drag in popular culture and mainstream theatre provides marginalised queer communities with a platform for self-expression and empowerment. The Thespian explores the emotional dichotomy of the LGBTQ+ community, using expressive portraiture and surreal, choreographed figures to contrast psychological turmoil with the theatrical nature of ‘drag’.
The transformation represented in the monochromatic portraits peaks and resolves, through panic, rage, desolation and eventual calmness, expressing a personalised cycle of anxiety in response to discrimination. This is juxtaposed with interlinking, coloured figures, referencing the inclusivity and diversity of drag culture.