The exhibition, hosted at Het Zuid-Afrikahuis from 7 May to 7 July 2026, presents a collection of portraits that situate Cape Town's drag artists outside of their usual theatrical settings. Instead of nightclubs or pageant stages, Sank photographs her subjects in more neutral environments, such as a hotel lobby or the streets of their own township neighbourhoods. This approach strips away the element of performance to reveal what the gallery describes as the "poised presence, pride and individuality" of each person.
For a Dutch audience, the exhibition offers a window into a facet of contemporary South African society that is both familiar in its expression and unique in its context. The country continues to navigate the complex social legacies of apartheid, and these images of visible, empowered queer individuals carry a particular weight. The photographs document a cultural transformation, highlighting a growing sense of self-expression within South Africa's diverse communities.
The artist, Michelle Sank, brings a personal perspective to the project. Having grown up in South Africa during apartheid as the child of immigrants, her work often explores sub-cultures and social identity. Her portraits are known for blending person and place to create layered narratives.
"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," Sank states. "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."
Sank is an internationally recognised photographer whose work is held in public and private collections worldwide. She was recently awarded an Honorary Fellowship by the Royal Photographic Society and won in the Portraiture category of the 2024 Sony World Photography Awards.
Exhibition Opening and Artist Talk
The exhibition will launch with a public reception on the evening of Tuesday, 7 May 2026, at Het Zuid-Afrikahuis in Amsterdam. The event provides a unique opportunity for attendees to engage directly with the artist. Michelle Sank will be present to give a lecture and a guided tour of the 'Drag Daughters' collection before the main reception begins.
- What: Drag Daughters - A Solo Exhibition by Michelle Sank
- When: 7 May 2026 – 7 July 2026
- Where: Het Zuid-Afrikahuis, Keizersgracht 141-C, 1015 CK Amsterdam
- Opening Night: Tuesday, 7 May 2026, with artist lecture and tour.
