Beauty at Wigstöckl, ca. 1996/1997

Annette Frick, Beauty at Wigstöckl, ca. 1996/1997; Hand printed by the artist on silver gelatin Baryta paper; Image: 40 × 30 cm; Frame: 54.6 × 44.6 × 3 cm; Edition of 3 plus I AP

This photograph was taken at SO36 during one of the annual Wigstöckel party. Wigstöckel, a play on the words “Woodstock” and “Stöckel” (meaning in ‘stiletto’ in German), is the German rendition of the internationally acclaimed drag queen Lady Bunny’s annual outdoor drag festival Wigstock.

Since the early 1980s, photographer and filmmaker Annette Frick has pursued portraiture beyond the popular mainstream. Known for her intimate and frank behind-the-scenes glimpses, Frick documented icons of the drag scene who have been influential in shaping contemporary transgender identity.

This vintage print was handprinted by the artist on silver gelatin Baryta paper at the time the photo was originally shot.

Photo by Marjorie Brunet Plaza