MJ Bentley, Aubrey Haive in Identity Reflection (PORTRAIT 2023)

This piece was inspired by Giallo aesthetic and Italian Vogue. It aims to represent drag as a fashion expression rather than caricature. Aubrey Haive is a part of this exploration of a drag persona not just being a costume, but an entirely different person existing independent of creator. Portrait of Yak This work is intended to be interpreted by the viewer with no context. The photographer and subject had no rapport prior to the portrait session. Aubrey Haive In The 1960s This piece is a portrait of Rupaul's Drag Race contestant Aubrey Haive. It was taken imaging Aubrey Haive modelling mod clothing in the 1960s. The lighting, pose, makeup, and emulation of photographic paper were all era specific details executed to create a feel that the photo was taken in the 1960s. In the 1960s drag re-emerged as both asa a protest against discrimination as well as a performance art in the ballroom scene. This piece pays homage to drags significance during that time.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.