Travestie, Marie Weikopf’s Portraits of Drag Queens in Berlin

More Than A Mask

A couple of years ago, Marie Weikopf started documenting the life of drag queens in Berlin. They showed her their homes, their transitions, and took her to the shows. While shooting and editing the series, she focused on intimate, in-between moments. Indeed, the portraits are pensive records that encapsulate the contemplative artistry of drag culture.

Candid and in color, the personality Marie captures is phenomenal, given how subtly demonstrative the artists are in her presence. We’re gliding into a fascinating and private space. Describing the experience, Marie tells us: “The art of drag queen seems like something staged, or even superficial. But actually, it’s the opposite, like something that comes easy and natural. It’s an innate part of them that they can run free with and enjoy.” Reflecting further, Marie states: “I guess that is an admirable gift I wish more people had.”

The series examines the intense urge for inner and outer transformation. What I love about it is the story it tells about blurring the lines between male and female. In Marie’s words, “it’s a realization about the versatility of one’s own sexuality and identity.”