Known for his internationally-recognised work with drag performers and the LGBTQ+ community, Magnus Hastings has photographed a who’s-who of drag superstars throughout his career as well created numerous icon images of well-known famous faces from Todrick Hall and Boy George, to Luke Evans and Cheyenne Jackson.
In his exhibition at Walker Art Gallery, titled ‘Queen’, Hastings displays a curated selection of his most famous photographs, including portraits of renowned drag queens Bianca del Rio, Courtney Act, and Trixie Mattel. Alongside these iconic images, the exhibition features newly commissioned, never-before-seen photographs spotlighting dozens of Liverpool’s own legendary drag artists, shot in the city’s famous Pride Quarter.
Originally from London, Hastings has gained widespread recognition through his distinctive style that combines bold colour palettes with a keen eye for capturing the essence of his subjects. ‘Queen’, a unique collaboration between Magnus Hastings and National Museums Liverpool, stands as a vibrant testament to the individual artistry of drag and the collective spirit of pride. Liverpool’s world-renowned drag scene serves as both a haven and a stage for numerous outstanding performers who live, work, and slay in the city.
From iconic local artists like Lily Savage to more recent stars like Danny Beard, winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK season four, the city boasts a rich drag history shaped by these queens. In ‘Queen’, Hastings turns the camera on some of the city’s local drag superstars, showcasing their unique looks in a series of photographs that capture the vivacity and individuality embodying the city’s drag scene.
In addition to these original images, a series of Hastings’ most iconic photographs from throughout his career are featured, including those from his book ‘Rainbow Revolution’, which showcases figures from across the LGBTQ+ community, creatively envisioning the space inside an empty white box. Hastings’ work evokes the essence of drag in an intimate, multi-layered portrait, presenting these performers and their art in a rarely seen way. His self-taught, spontaneous approach captures the irreverent spirit and fierce glamour of drag culture.
The exhibition features a royal court of drag excellences, with international queens featured including Adore Delano, Alaska, Bob the Drag Queen, Gottmik, Jaida Essence Hall, Jinkx Monsoon, Katya, Raja, Sasha Velour, Violet Chachki, and many more. Among the local drag artists photographed for ‘Queen’ are Danny Beard, Sister Sister, Brenda LaBeau, Naya Thorn, and Violet Pain, alongside a host of other Merseyside performers.