The Rochester Art Center is ready to take you down the runway with its latest exhibition featuring the works of drag star Utica Queen.
Set to open in December, “Homecoming Queen” will give visitors the opportunity to explore the world of Utica Queen, who came to fame in season 13 of the Emmy-winning series “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”
The exhibition will include about 20 mannequins dressed in Utica’s garments, along with original design sketches, large-scale editorial photographs from “Drag Race,” and a short documentary-style film.
Brian Dukerschein, an Art Center board member and co-curator of the exhibition, said he believes “Homecoming Queen” will mark the first time a drag performer has been featured as a visual artist via their garments.
“While Utica is an incredibly charismatic performer, what truly sets her apart and elevates her craft is the fact that she conceives, designs, and sews her own looks, which are at Alexander McQueen levels of inspiration, creativity and artistry,” Dukerschein said in the announcement.
Because the show touches on everything from fashion and art to queer culture and gender expression, Dukerschein added the he hopes the exhibition “serves as a catalyst for many meaningful conversations, but especially regarding LGBTQIA+ issues in our community.”
To that end, the Art Center plans to host a variety of events with local and state LGBTQIA+ organizations to facilitate broader public discussion.
