dr.a.g. (English, Dutch and French Edition)

Printed in a large format (11” x 11”), this hardcover book is filled with color plates that showcase the variety in styles of drag from all over the world. The costumes and makeup are worn by various performers and personalities whose images have been captured by some of the foremost contemporary photography studios. An introduction by the author is included.

This quintessential coffee table book presents lush, sometimes provocative visuals that never cease to astonish, virtually raising drag to a unique art form, and an extremely entertaining one at that. Techniques vary from traditional Hollywood glamour shots to edgier, digitally enhanced styles that beautifully compliment the subjects. There are spot-on celebrity impersonations that will evoke incredulity because they stretch boundaries on so many levels: they manage to encompass diversity and challenge the status quo, yet preserve levity and the ability to laugh at oneself. It might be argued that the pictures speak for themselves and have no need for supporting text, but it would have been nice had the author included an appendix with a bit of background info on the models and photographers. Nevertheless, dr.a.g. inspires creativity and ultimately leads the viewer to question the true meaning of beauty, gender, and performance art.