A Woman’s Face, 2020-2024
“A Woman’s Face” is an ongoing photographic performance based on the 1941 Joan Crawford film about a troubled female with a disfiguring facial scar. She meets a plastic surgeon that offers her the possibility of becoming a “normal” person in a society that has shunned her. Like Joan Crawford’s character, I am seen as an outsider, yet my face is not disfigured. I made this work to validate others like me and subvert the queer, horror, and beauty communities.
Since 2020, I started exploring my drag persona, Krystal Lake Carrington, while in quarantine. Having the time to examine various make-up looks allowed me to perform and capture Krystal in the safety of my apartment. Every look presented a challenge regarding clothing, make-up, and background. Using cheap materials, I can find at the 99-cent store, thrift stores, and clothing I already own. This project uses the idea of being socially distant as I present my looks on social media and use the “selfie” to engage and challenge these communities online. I challenge stereotypes of Chicano queer men through my non-traditional body and gender performance through make-up.
Growing up in East Los Angeles, I was obsessed with cinema and being home; I had the chance to create self-portraits that pay homage to horror films I grew up loving and escaping into. The men and women in these films played the villain, the heroine, or sometimes both, like Joan Crawford. The characters I transform into conjure the monstrous yet beautiful qualities I believe them to have. Most importantly, as the images can be seen as horrifying, there is always a humorous nod to camp aesthetics.
Photo assistance by Dakota Noot
