Alan Dearling takes a brief trip into the world of Drag at this exhibition in London’s Charing Cross
First up, my thanks and appreciation to the Proud Gallery and the show’s curator, Youssef El Khouly, for sending me an invite and allowing me to take some photos of the powerful range of images. They are provocative, sensual and perhaps almost all aimed to intimidate people who are frightened by, or alienated by Drag. The images feature works from a diverse range of artists including Danilo Zocatelli, Dougie Wallace, Holly Revell, Kel Enders, Magnus Hastings, and Paul Madeley. Some are photographs, some are art-works and some are mixed medium pieces.
The gallery was first established by Alex Proud, and Proud Galleries have an enviable reputation for their cutting-edge photographic exhibitions, mostly of music-related subjects, the world of glamour, and the arts in all their incarnations. This brief show offered an opportunity for a glimpse into some of the more extreme aspects of Drag culture, what the gallery calls, “the vibrant and transformative” elements of Drag. But, in reality ‘Drag’ has entered into the mainstream media and public attention much more in recent times. Its gender-bending art has always existed, of course, but mostly at the fringes, sometimes becoming more generally appreciated often through collaborations of art and music, such as David Bowie’s chameleon transformation and Lou Reed’s invitation to take us on a ‘Walk on the Wild Side’. And that new acceptability has occurred for a variety of reasons ranging from the personas of Lily Savage, through the friendly, even, one might say ‘fluffy’ cross-dressing of artist, Sir Grayson Perry, through to the high profile, RuPaul, (and the much viewed) ‘Drag Races’.
A lot of the images on display have been chosen to challenge the onlooker’s perceptions, their morality and willingness, or otherwise, to be shocked. But in a way it is also a modern take on ‘naughty but nice!’, with occasional transgressions into the darker sides of Drag, edgy sex and S&M.
The fact that the Proud Gallery show took place only a couple of stone throws from Soho, seemed to resonate too.
Recently, Stephanie Osztreicher from ‘West End Best Friend’ on-line, spoke with the curator of the exhibition, Youssef El Khouly.
Stephanie: How would you describe the UK drag scene?
Youssef: The UK drag scene is a vibrant tapestry of identity and expression, where tradition meets rebellion. It’s a dynamic space where the old-school glamour of cabaret collides with the gritty innovation of underground culture. Here, Drag is more than performance; it’s a living, breathing art form that challenges norms and celebrates diversity with unapologetic flair. It’s constantly evolving, rooted in history but always pushing boundaries, reflecting the soul of British creativity.
Stephanie: What do you want people to take away from this showcase of work?
Youssef: I want people to leave with a deeper understanding of Drag as a powerful form of self-expression and a testament to resilience. This exhibition isn’t just about the aesthetics — it’s about the stories, the identities, and the courage behind the glamour. I hope visitors feel the energy and passion that drives this art form and recognize the profound impact Drag has on culture, both in London and beyond. Ultimately, I want them to see Drag not just as performance, but as a bold, living statement of freedom and creativity.
Proud Galleries website: https://proudgalleries.com/
Some words from the Proud site…