Gasp! Just when I thought I couldn’t love the work of UK based painter Annie Kevans any more than I already do, I discovered this recent series titled “Drag”. Gorgeous paintings of {in this order above} Andy Warhol, Robert Mapplethorpe, Grayson Perry, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Marcel Duchamp as ‘Rrose Selavy’, and Andy again. The paintings are lovely, but her reason for the series … perfection:

“Both ‘The History of Art’ and ‘Drag’ series examine gender inequality in the art world. ‘The History of Art’ features women in art history who were once acclaimed in the art world – some were even international celebrities – and whose history and significance have been gradually eroded so they are ultimately forgotten to a modern audience. 

In the ‘Drag’ series, Kevans reveals male art stars comfortably posing as women but confident that their achievements will not be forgotten.  Artists such as Francis Bacon, Marcel Duchamp, Andy Warhol, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Robert Mapplethorpe and Cecil Beaton all photographed themselves in drag but the question remains: would these artists continue to be so revered had they been born women?”

Excellent question. And on the same topic, I could not be more thrilled that Annie’s story and work is featured in my new book, “A BIG IMPORTANT ART BOOK – Now With Women”. The book will be on shelves this October, but you can pre-order it right this very minute. Thank you!