Deutsch
English
Available for pre-order, publisher's delivery scheduled for May 2022!
Background information
"Drag" refers to the display of masculinity, femininity, or other forms of gender expression. A drag queen is a (usually male) person who performs femininity, and a drag king is a (usually female) person who performs masculinity. The term can be used as a noun as in the expression in drag or as an adjective as in drag show." (© Wikipedia)
With 'Butterflies and Caterpillars', photographer Ardelle SCHNEIDER provides an unbiased look into the current drag scene within the United States. The photographic examination deals, among other things, with the meaning of identity and the construction of a self apart from gender-specific role expectations. Over a longer period of time she accompanied the protagonists in their everyday life and photographed them in private moments as well as during their performances. In addition to the act of transformation, the duality of the portrayed is also addressed, whose self-portrayal and self-image repeatedly collide with the expectations of society. Do clothes change our behavior, and to what extent does the outer shell reveal a person's character? To what extent does outward appearance influence our effect on others? What is hidden behind all those layers of tulle and makeup?
Content
In the photo book 'Butterflies and Caterpillars' by Ardelle SCHNEIDER, the photographer uses intimate and sensitive images to reveal the subtleties and nuances of the characters hidden behind the loud masquerade. With a fine sense and careful lighting direction, photographs full of intimacy, dignity and power have been created. A book as a monument to acceptance and mutual respect." (© Kettler Verlag, 2022)