BBC NEWS | In Pictures | In Pictures: Life's a drag

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12:53 GMT, Tuesday, 7 October 2008 13:53 UK

In Pictures: Life's a drag

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An exhibition of photographs of amateur drag artists captured in Swansea during the summer is opening at the city's Elysium Art Space later this month.

Image: Copyright Mark Francis Lacey

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The images are the work of digital artist Mark Francis Lacey who set up an improvised studio above Champers Wine Bar on High Street.

Image: Copyright Mark Francis Lacey

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It features a number of different female impersonators photographed performing at the club, in public and domestic settings.

Image: Copyright Mark Francis Lacey

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He said the aim was to highlight issues of acceptance. "The images aim to reinforce the notion of drag and female impersonation as a norm, no longer just the preserve of a so-called gay subculture, but as part of the wider social landscape," he said.

Image: Copyright Mark Francis Lacey

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"That said, the show is very much about humour, extravagance, accessibility and fun," he added.

Image: Copyright Mark Francis Lacey

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It is the first solo exhibition for the Swansea-based artist who said his subjects were more than willing to take part.

Image: Copyright Mark Francis Lacey

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As well as images captured in and around the night spot some of the work was created especially for the exhibition which will feature around 90 images.

Image: Copyright Mark Francis Lacey

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He said most of the drag artists featured were up and coming amateur performers who had appeared at Champers.

Image: Copyright Mark Francis Lacey

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The exhibition - titled Drag On - runs between 24 and 31 October at the gallery on Swansea's High Street.

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Elysium Gallery
Mark Francis Lacey
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