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07 May

16:30

Het Zuid-Afrikahuis

Keizersgracht 141-C, 1015 CK, Amsterdam

A solo photography exhibition by Michelle Sank exploring Cape Town's rich drag culture. The work celebrates resilience, community, and self-expression through powerful portraits of the city's drag queens.

Drag Daughters: A Solo Exhibition by Michelle Sank

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Drag Daughters: A Solo Exhibition by 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 drag queens who have grown up in townships and, despite facing rejection or having to hide their identities in the past, are now becoming more accepted, striving to make a difference within the communities they grew up in.

Included in the exhibition are 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

Artist Talk & Guided Tour

The opening event will feature a lecture and guided tour with the artist Michelle Sank, followed by a reception.

Exhibition Details

Opening Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday from 10:00 to 16:00.
Admission: Free

About 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.

About Het Zuid-Afrikahuis

Het Zuid-Afrikahuis is an international knowledge institute focusing on the language, culture, and history of South Africa. Its building on the Keizersgracht houses the largest collection of South African (professional) literature in Europe. The collection consists of a library, archive, and image bank. In addition to managing these collections, ZAH organizes events, exhibitions, and language courses.