Drag ist Kunst

by Jake Hall, Sofie Birkin, Helen Li

Licht! Kamera! Action! Dieser üppig illustrierte Leitfaden wirft einen Blick auf das kulturelle Phänomen Drag vom antiken Theater bis zu den Queens der Hitsendung RuPaul's Drag Race. Die Geschichte des Drag wurde von vielen Überschneidungen geprägt: Mode, Theater, Sexualität und Politik alle Aspekte kamen zusammen, um die Show zu schauen, die heute Millionen von Menschen fabelhaft unterhält. Der Journalist Jake Hall taucht tief in die Anfänge des Drag ein, zeichnet den Weg bis in die Gegenwart und darüber hinaus. Leuchtende Illustrationen erzählen die reiche Geschichte vom Kabuki-Theater bis zu Shakespeare, vom revolutionären Stonewall Riot bis hin zur blühenden New Yorker Ballsaalszene. Das Buch bietet auch faszinierende Einblicke in die Zukunft des Drag mit Beiträgen von berühmten Drag-Persönlichkeiten wie The Vixen, Crystal Rasmussen, Sweatmother und Don One.

Genres: Nonfiction, LGBT, History, Graphic Novels, Art, Queer, Drag

141 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2020

Reviews

[Cindy Pham · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really fun book! Not only are the illustrations super cute and bold and bright, but the writing also goes into the history and inspirations of drag, giving this a little more depth than a coffee table book. Although most of the content is Western, there were Eastern traditions included too (Kabuki theater, Kathakali dancers, Thailand's Miss Tiffany Universe, etc). I know nothing about drag history, and I spent a lot of time putting the book down and looking up the names, events, and movies mentioned. I love how the book also touches upon drag kings and genderqueer performs, and features so many women and people of color. I also love seeing the ties between drag and queer liberation history. This left me with a greater appreciation for drag culture and its impact!

[Maia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully designed, brightly colored coffee-table style book, informative and very pleasing to the eye! There's definitely a Western/American focus, but other traditions are included as well from Kabuki theater, Peking opera, the Kathakali dancers (of precolonial India), to Thailand's Miss Tiffany Universe competition and Thai Drag Race. Drag queens who have had particular culture impact, such as Divine, RuPaul and Lady Bunny, get features as does the involvement of drag queen in queer liberation movements.

[Ashley Daviau · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love the art of drag so much, it does things for me that nothing else ever will. Discovering the art of drag is what led me to finally feel free enough to be my true, authentic queer self and I will never be able to accurately express how much it means to me because of this. Watching drag made me feel seen, not because of the makeup and dresses but because of the heart warming, behind the scenes stories that the queens shared. Hearing their coming out stories made me feel like I could open up about my truth. Not only did it change my life in that incredible way but it also just made my life so much more beautiful. Drag is such an art form, from the makeup to the costumes to the choreography to the acting and everything else you could possibly imagine. Drag performers can truly do it ALL with unparalleled skill and that will never fail to awe me. This book is such a beautiful representation of the history of drag and it’s evolution over the years into what it’s become today. I loved getting to know more of the history of the art form I’ve come to love so much and this little dip only made me want to learn more. Queer or straight, drag is for everyone and I highly recommend this beautiful book no matter which spectrum you fall under!

[Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gözler Huysuz Virjin’i aradı valla.

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

The artwork alone deserves a 5.
This book educated me.
I had to stop many times to google / YouTube…

[Kazen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Art of Drag is pure joy, written and illustrated by queer folx. It's a book for the community, by the community that left a smile plastered on my face.

The good:

- It's an inclusive and all-encompassing look at drag from its history to the future of the art form. I especially love that we get to see drag from many parts of the world, including Eastern traditions such as kabuki and Takarazuka from Japan.

- Artists of color and those that fall outside the drag queen mold are highlighted, including drag kings as well as androgynous and genderqueer performers.

- The art style on the front is the entire book - bright colors, impactful spreads. Each chapter is done by a single artist and while their styles differ the cohesive color palette means everything hangs together.

- Theoretically it's a one sitting book, but if you're like me you'll end up down delightful YouTube rabbit holes, watching Marlene Dietrich in classic movie scenes and performances by Lypsinka.

The not-good-for-me:

- This falls into the realm of personal taste, but I didn't gel with one of the artists. The faces were so exaggerated I wondered if x person really looked like that.

I learned so much and delighted in every part of Art of Drag. If you have any interest in drag or queer culture this is an easy recommend. If you'd like to hear gushing right after I read it check out my February Wrap Up Part 1 on YouTube.

Thanks to Nobrow Books for providing an advance copy.

[Brionny Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is beautiful. So much so, that it almost didn’t really matter what was written in it. I did learn about a few drag pioneers that I’d not heard of before, but let’s be honest, this coffee table book is all about the illustrations. In particular the cover artist Helen Li and her chapters on ‘Art of Freak’ and ‘Influence’. Sickening.

[Chaitanya Sethi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most beautifully illustrated book on my bookshelf. A wonderful primer on the artform of drag.

[✨ Aaron Jeffery ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely a great foundation in queer, gender and drag history with stunning art to support it

[Kay Russ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books is not only a reverent love letter to drag, it’s also an incredible intro to queer, trans, and GNC history. I learned new things and brushed up on some queer basics.

The art work is beautiful, cohesive in its loud color palette but thoughtfully unique to each time period/persona portrayed. This is the benefit of multiple artists working together, in my opinion.

I read this book out-loud in one sitting to my partner as we enjoyed some Sunday coffee, it was a delightful experience I won’t soon forget. This book is meant to be shared, just as our queer history is meant to be shared.

As I read, we made a list of all the films/documentaries mentioned and were left with quite the collection to dive into. Thats what this book is, a wonderful jumping off point. It has left me inspired to dive deeper into some corners of queer history I have not yet come to know.

Would recommend, makes a great gift. This book is great to pass along to younger queers looking to learn more, or anyone who enjoys an accessible and inclusive approach to history or pop culture.

[Claudia - BookButterflies · Rating 5 out of 5]

LESEMONAT: https://youtu.be/sLy0SIfdBYM
Katalyst Verlag
Übersetzerin: Charlotte Milsch

Aufmerksam wurde ich durch ein Instagram-Video von Bambi Mercury (bekannt u.a. durch „Queen of Drags“) auf dieses wunderschön gestaltete Buch rund um das Thema „Drag“.  Es ist nicht nur kreativ & bunt gezeichnet, sondern auch sehr informativ. Besonders, wenn man sich noch gar nicht näher mit der Geschichte von Drag Queens & Kings auseinandergesetzt hat.
 
Ein tolles Werk für alle, die einen Drag-Crash-Kurs bekommen möchten. Ich habe vermutlich nochmal so viel Zeit mit der weiteren Internetrecherche verbracht, auch um Fotografien zu recherchieren und manche Themen weiter zu vertiefen. Wer eine vertiefte Abhandlung sucht, muss sich ggf. anderweitig umschauen, hier wird eine ästhetisch gestaltete Zusammenfassung der Geschichte der Drag-Kunst und vieler wichtiger Personen geliefert.
 
Eine großartiges Coffee-Table-Book über die wichtigsten Konzepte dieser Bewegung, von historischen Ereignissen bis hin zu den queeren kulturellen Bezügen. Zweifellos eine sehr empfehlenswerte Lektüre.

[Brittney · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book! Even though this is considered adult nonfiction, it read to me like a nonfiction YA graphic novel because there was so much focus on the art, and I really liked it! I learned a lot about the history of Drag culture, and I had fun googling a lot of the people they talked about. Although it looks a little chunky it is actually a really quick read. Very fun, I recommend!

RECOMMENDED FOR PEOPLE WHO LIKE TO READ ABOUT: LGBTQIA+ culture, history, human rights, art, fashion, pop culture.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Art of Drag is bold, colorful, inclusive, and so so much fun. As someone who held a fairly normative picture of drag performances, I thought this was really informative about the progressiveness of drag; some performers creatively subvert gender roles and gender conformity altogether. The authors took care to provide information about drag in other countries and touched on how many art forms helped shape drag.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful illustrations :')

[Joe Bogue · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5 stars. I disagree with this book's definition of Drag i.e. anytime a person dresses up in clothes/wears make up different than the clothes/make up associated with their gender. I personally think men playing roles written for women because actual women are outlawed from the stage, a person choosing to cross dress, and a person performing a drag routine are all their own things, not different modes of a single concept.

In addition, The book also misses the nuances between persona (the character a performer plays during a drag performance) and identity (a person wearing clothing associated with a different gender than the one they were assigned because they're Trans or gender fluid, etc..)

Also, Ru Paul has certainly done a lot to advance the representation and acceptance of cis gay men. However, the book doesn't bother to mention the anti-trans sentiments Ru Paul has often expressed. Plus, Drag Race reinforces the gender binary more than it subverts it in my opinion

[Callum McLaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thorough and engaging look at drag culture. I love how inclusive this is, showcasing the value of queens, kings, and nonbinary artists alike. It also incorporates drag styles, influences, and performers from across the world and throughout history. While it celebrates the fun and artistry of drag, it also explores the community's strong ties to activism, as well as the artform's intersections with important social issues, including gender expression, homophobia, racism, and transphobia.

Gorgeously illustrated throughout, the book itself is suitably joyous and technicolour. The insight and warmth on show make this feel like a must for all queers.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful primer on the subject (with bibliography and other mentions of media to further your knowledge) that is gorgeously illustrated.
My thoughts about this book are in this wrap up video.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Conoscere la storia del drag è super importante per capire le influenze che ha avuto nella cultura mainstream e per entrare a contatto con la storia della lotta per i diritti della comunità lgbt. Questo libro è una lettura semplice e veloce ma tocca tantissimi punti salienti e interessanti di storia umana che vengono ancora nascosti e oscurati. Super consigliato.

[Mags C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s so much queer history out there that deserves to be not only taught but also celebrated, and The Art of Drag is definitely a celebration. The journey this book takes you on is progressive, accessible, and warmly personable and has something for those familiar with drag and new comers alike. The illustrations that accompany the texts are absolutely beautiful, and the colorful maximalist aesthetic of the art and bright pink pages feels like a luscious, luxurious nod to the magnificent drag creatures the book expound upon. There is a lot we can learn from drag and carry into our everyday lives that makes existing more free and more joyful, and I appreciate this book for delivering all that liberating goodness into our hands and making me want more. (My partner read this book out loud to me and we made a list of all the movies the book mentions as we went-I highly recommend this method of sharing for optimal experience!!)

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this!
I found this in the bookshop I used to work in and the illustrations caught my eye. This is such a beautifully crafted book and would make a perfect gift and coffee table book. The illustrations are absolutely beautiful, it covers quite a diverse history of drag. It is mainly US-centric but it does talk about the history of drag in other countries. I particularly loved the section titled "the future of drag" which focused on a few drag kings and queens and how they are shaping drag and what they want to see in the future. It also has a brilliant bibliography for further viewing and reading which I also loved.

[Basti Wulff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ein fabulöses Buch über die Geschichte von Drag, dessen einziger Makel ist, dass ich gern noch viel mehr über die einzelnen Abschnitte erfahren hätte.

Aber als Crash-Kurs und Sprungbrett für Neulinge im Bereich Drag definitiv einige Lesezeit wert!

[Jessica Haider · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before I even open this book... WOW! The cover is stunning!!! The image on Goodreads doesn't do it justice.

4.5 stars!

[inna · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are all born naked and the rest is drag!

I knew very little about drag when I stumbled upon this gem in a local library. And once I opened the book, it became obvious that I simply had to have my own copy!

Filled with extravagant illustrations by many talented artists, the book presents us a comprehensive history of drag from its earliest origins all over the world. It masterfully explains the essence of drag and its mission.

“The Art of Drag” is so rich in information, that I had to google for names and events after every sentence to learn even more. This book is such a beautiful representation of the history of drag and its evolution over time.

Whether you are new to the world of drag or already have some knowledge, I strongly recommend reading this piece of art. You betta werk!


Check the review with photos on my bookstagram: @penguinna_books

[Shelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stunning!!
A beautifully brightly colored, hardback book, chocked full with information and joyful illustrations.
With a mostly Western focus, other traditions are included as well from Kabuki theater, Peking opera, the Kathakali dancers, to Thailand's Miss Tiffany Universe competition and Thai Drag Race.
With a dash of Pantomime Dames and Drag Comics of the UK, to Drag in Hollywood films. (Mrs Doubtfire)
Drag queens who have had particular culture impact, such as Divine, RuPaul and Lady Bunny, get features as does the involvement of drag queen in queer liberation movements.
This is lovely starting point on the history of Drag, and i am very pleased it has been produced in such an artistic way.

[R.J. Sorrento · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bright, beautiful, and informative graphic nonfiction book on drag and gender performance great for beginners and enthusiasts alike. The illustrations are so bright and bold and colorful, and would make any drag performer proud. The book covers ancient times to the present and offers a global perspective that is diverse and intersectional. Highly recommend this for Pride month and any month!

[Liv Hennessy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A phenomenal, vibrant and colourful book covering the history and art of drag. This book is inclusive on many levels, including drag Kings, and the History of drag through non-European cultures. A wonderful first read for LGBTQ+ History month!!

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really loved this so much. The illustrations are incredible and I really enjoyed the history here including all the history of theatre and how that evolved into modern day drag. Loved this book so much!

[Care · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super beautiful, colourful, bold, inspirational book. From the first recorded instances of cross dressing to Shakespearean and kabuki theatre to RuPaul and her many, many children, drag is for EVERYONE.

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

So so so so pretty and quite informative, even if not long.

[Paul Orton]

Pretty western focused, but good initial history and incredible illustrations!!! Quick & fun read :)