In an unexpectedly hot day in May, Magnus Hastings found himself in a back alley behind a gay bar in Liverpool with 35 local drag queens. This was a departure from his usual studio shoots with big-name LGBT celebrities, but he was there to capture the essence of his favorite art form – drag.
Two months later, the photographs taken that day are now the centerpiece of a unique exhibition opening at the start of Liverpool’s Pride celebrations. Titled “Queen by Magnus Hastings,” the exhibition features renowned drag queens from the international scene, such as Jinkx Monsoon, Shea Coulee, and Bob the Drag Queen.
However, it’s the images of the local Liverpool drag queens that are stealing the spotlight during a private viewing of the exhibition. Danny Beard, a local queen who uses they/them pronouns, has become the poster girl for the exhibition, with their image featured on a 10ft banner outside the gallery.
For Danny Beard, the exhibition is not just about showcasing drag queens from popular TV shows like Ru Paul’s Drag Race. It’s about celebrating the diversity and creativity of local drag artists who may not have the same platform but are equally inspiring.
Pretentious Dross, another local queen featured in the exhibition, hopes that the images will challenge people’s preconceived notions of drag and show that there are countless ways to express oneself through this art form.
Hastings, the photographer behind the exhibition, rarely steps in front of the camera himself but sees his work as a form of drag expression. He views his photography as a way to participate in the art form he loves and to showcase the individuality and creativity of each drag queen he captures.
“Queen by Magnus Hastings” is on display at the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool from July 27 to August 25, 2024, inviting viewers to explore the vibrant and diverse world of drag through the lens of a passionate photographer.
