Death Drop, a solo show by Izabela Cookson, open from November 3rd to the 23rd at the Great White Wall, 1601 W Mt Royal, 21217, public gallery reception is November 7th from 4:30 to 6:30 PM.
Artist Statement
Death Drop is a showing of my work from a series of the same name that uses the language and aesthetics of drag culture to explore the making of queer identity and selfhood. Drawing inspiration from the dramatic dance move from ballroom culture, this body of work reimagines the “death drop” as a metaphor for shedding imposed identities and embracing bold, self-constructed expressions of gender. Through portraits of my chosen family and self-portraits balanced with materials and the language of funeral culture, Death Drop reflects the joy, resilience, and transformative power of drag in shaping identity and gender expression. This work would not be possible without the Baltimore Drag community, for which I am eternally indebted, and something not revered and known outside, even within, the city. While this work is primarily about language and image, it is also about the fierce and powerful performers based in this beautiful city. For more information and to see the work a part of the series, please refer to this section of my website.