I AM SURREALISM!
There is no denying that the globe-trotting Salvador Dali was an eccentric personality. The critics have rightfully hailed him as the pioneer of the surrealist movement. Salvador Dali paintings shine the spotlight on the creative and imaginative forces embedded in the human subconscious. The ideologies and art of the maverick have seeped into the contemporary world, influencing generations of artists. Some of them as it happens are drag queens.
Dali and Drag Queens
Drag is an artform which tends to exaggerate and seldom mock genders. A quintessential drag queen is an artist who plays on the vivid aspects of femininity and breaks down stereotypical barriers set forth by society. While there have been many drag queens since time immemorial – kabuki, pantomime, and even theater, RuPaul is the most renowned. Since 2011, she has brought drag to the mainstream audiences of the US through her flagship show, RuPaul’s Drag Race. Franchising has helped to disseminate the magic of drag around the globe.
During his time in New York, Dali met and quickly accepted transgender woman International Chrysis under his tutelage. To say that Salvador Dali influenced Chrysis is an understatement. She was infatuated with his surrealistic ideas and his outlandish personality. To this day, LGBTQIA+ artists remain enthralled by Dali and his oeuvre.
The following photo gallery chronicles Salvador Dali paintings and their interpretations by drag queens who have appeared on the ever-expanding iterations of RuPaul’s Drag Race.
Sagittaria – Drag Race España (Season 1)
Sagittaria presented her interpretation of Salvador Dali painting, ‘Mujer con cabeza de rosas’ (Woman With a Head of Roses) in episode 6 of Drag Race España.
Courtesy – Fundació Gala-Salvador Dalí (L)/ Reddit (R)
Killer Queen – Drag Race España (Season 1)
In the same episode, Killer Queen debuted her interpretation of Salvador Dali painting ‘La persistència de la memòria’ (The Persistence of Memory) and ‘Jirafa en llama’ (The Burning Giraffe).
Courtesy – SingulArt (L)/ Reddit (M)/ Wikipedia (R)
Dovima Nurmi – Drag Race España (Season 1)
Dovima Nurmi graced the stage of Drag Race España, wearing her rendition of Salvador Dali artwork ‘Galatea de las Esferas’ (Galatea of the Spheres) in episode 6.
Courtesy – Historia Arte (L)/ RuPauls Drag Race Fandom (R)
The Macarena – Drag Race España (Season 1)
Although she was the first eliminated queen, she showcased her look, which took inspiration from Salvador Dali artwork ‘Face of Mae West Which May Be Used as an Apartment.’
Courtesy – King & McGaw (L)/ RuPauls Drag Race Fandom (R)
Mo Heart – RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Vs The World (Season 1)
In the premiere season of UK vs the World, Mo Heart captivated the judges, wearing a purple dress inspired by Salvador Dali painting ‘Mujer con cabeza de rosas’ (Woman With a Head of Roses).
Courtesy – Fundació Gala-Salvador Dalí (L)/ RuPauls Drag Race Fandom (R)
Nicky Doll
Nicky Doll – the judge of Drag Race France and a contestant on the 12th season of RuPaul’s Drag Race enchanted her followers through her take on Salvador Dali painting ‘Mujer con cabeza de rosas’ (Woman With a Head of Roses).
Courtesy – Fundació Gala-Salvador Dalí (L)/ Nicky Doll via Instagram (R)
Aja
Aja was the contestant on the ninth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race before returning to RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars season 4. For the final day of the 2018 DragCon NYC, she shocked the audiences, paying homage to the artist Salvador Dali, his iconic mustache, and his love for double-breasted suits.
Courtesy – Horst P. Horst (L)/ Aja via Facebook (R)
Kim Chi
Kim Chi was the runner-up of RuPaul’s Drag Race season 8. Since then, she had made a name for herself in the beauty industry, engendering Kim Chi Cosmetics. Known for her makeup and her unique fashion sense, she used her face as the canvas for Salvador Dali painting, ‘Port Lligat At Sunset.’
Courtesy – Fundació Gala-Salvador Dalí (L)/ Pinterest (R)
Photo Courtesy – Magnum Photos
Hi Ya’ll !!
I love writing about pop culture and all things queer.
Sub Editor at Abir Pothi
