Kanolu drag king Ur Dad Daryl has won the inaugural Mr First Nation Pageant in Brisbane, held as part of Melt Festival. Seven performers from across the country competed over five days of rehearsals, photoshoots and live heats. Craven Moorehead was first runner-up and Benny Hangslow second runner-up. Ur Dad Daryl said he felt affirmed by the win and hoped the pageant would bring more visibility to Blak drag kings. He began drag less than a year before entering and described his character as a daggy, earnest dad figure inspired by 1970s and 1980s pop culture.
A large mosaic portrait of drag performer Courtney Act, created by artist Paul Yore, is now on display at the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra. Built from thousands of found objects, including old nails, glitter, high heels and a Nokia phone, the work looks like a glossy likeness from a distance. Up close, its small details reveal the story of Act's life. Yore spent a year creating the piece and said it was one of the most challenging things he has made. Act said the portrait feels validating and celebrates drag and queerness.
A glittering mosaic portrait of drag performer Courtney Act has been unveiled at the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra. Artist Paul Yore built the work from thousands of found objects, including discarded fingernails, sequins, high heels, a beer can and a dismembered Barbie doll. Act sent Yore her old fingernails, eyelashes and broken jewellery for the piece. Yore said the project took about a year and was one of the most challenging works he had made. The gallery's director described the portrait as a monument to queer culture.
AU Now app
Your suburb’s news, alerts and Shorts — in one app
Alerts, Shorts and your saved stories — free on Google Play.
A glittering mosaic portrait of drag performer Courtney Act has been unveiled at the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra. Artist Paul Yore built the work from thousands of found objects, including discarded fingernails, sequins, high heels, a beer can and a dismembered Barbie doll. Act sent Yore her old fingernails, eyelashes and broken jewellery for the piece. Yore said the project took about a year and was one of the most challenging works he had made. The gallery's director described the portrait as a monument to queer culture.
Trevor Ashley's musical parody Deep-Heat Rivalry is coming to Australia after its London run. The show will play at Chapel Off Chapel in Melbourne in January during Midsumma, and at The Foundry Theatre in March during Mardi Gras in Sydney. Tickets for both seasons are on sale, and the cast will be announced soon. Written by Ashley and composer Phil Scott, the comedy follows rival hockey stars Shane Hollandaise and Ilya Stroganoff, whose on-ice clashes hide a secret romance.
