Drag Daughters - Michelle Sank

What began as a chance encounter with a stranger on Cape Town’s Promenade, Drag Daughters by Michelle Sank developed into a powerful body of work portraying some of the city’s most exquisite drag queens. The series follows six young rag queens who grew up in townships and, despite past rejection or having to hide their identities, are now becoming more accepted, striving to make a difference in the communities where they grew up.

Included in the exhibition is a striking collection of portraits that move beyond the conventional depiction of drag in pageants or nightclub performances. Removed from theatrical settings, and stripped of spectacle, Michelle Sank’s photographs reveal the poised presence, pride and individuality of each of her subjects. At the same time, the images radiate performance and allure, reflecting the vibrant personalities of the drag queens dressed in breathtaking costumes against the neutral background of a hotel lobby or the streets of their township neighbourhood.

In a country still navigating the legacies of apartheid alongside ongoing social challenges, these images speak powerfully of visibility and change. Drag Daughters is a testament to the dynamic and evolving drag scene in South Africa, inviting us to appreciate and celebrate this vibrant facet of society.

“I think [because of] the trauma that South Africans have gone through, there is now a sense of individuality and expression … and people are out there, people are open. Obviously, there are real issues still, but my work there has been a celebration of what is happening…people are empowered there, and the way they manifest that is really interesting”

- Michelle Sank

Michelle Sank grew up during apartheid as the child of immigrant parents, a background that informs her interest in sub-cultures and the exploration of contemporary social issues and challenges. Her crafted portraits meld place and person, creating sociological, visual and psychological landscapes and narratives. Known for her work on youth culture, her practice has expanded into long-term projects documenting communities and cultures in depth