7-Queens by MJ Bentley

Drag from a new perspective

7-Queens asks the viewer to look at each photograph like a window into another world and write a storyline within their own mind. Each photograph in 7-Queens utilises drag queens to both: express a unique story, and represent a culture currently present within the city of Melbourne, AU. 7-Queens features Rupaul's Drag Race's Aubrey Haive, Deja, Dettol, Jimi The Kween, Sarah Jessica Carpark, and Tilly Capulet.

7-Queens is part of an ongoing series by the photographic artist MJ Bentley. This ongoing series highlights the versatility of drag and the importance of drag queens within the LGBTIQA+ community. Framed prints are available for purchase by contacting [email protected] or Gasworks.

MJ Bentley is an American/Australian photographic artist. She was awarded "Top 40 Emerging Portrait Photographer" by Capture Mag x Fujifilm in 2023. She won the Best Cinematography award at Visionnaire Film Festival 2018 for her work on the film "Leach." She has exhibited as part of EAC and at George Patton Gallery 2023. Her work has been published in both print and online publications. She has an artist residency in Italy in 2024. In her spare time, she is pursuing a Master's Degree of Arts and Cultural Management at the University of Melbourne.

MJ is happily queer, they use "she" and "they" pronouns.

SPECIAL EVENT

Join MJ at "Tea With The Artist" 27 January 12-2 pm at the Gasworks Café.

During Tea With The Artist, MJ will be offering portfolio reviews, chats about art and photography, or chats about anything.