This is a must-visit: Deep in Vogue

Kunsthal Rotterdam, in collaboration with Amber Vineyard, presents the exhibition Deep in Vogue from September 18 to January 9, 2022.

Kunsthal Rotterdam presents the exhibition in collaboration with Amber Vineyard from September 18 to January 9, 2022 Deep in Vogue. The exhibition is described as a celebration of ballroom culture that should give context to a subculture formed by and for queer and transgender people, black and of color. Text: Fleur de Jong
Image: Kunsthal RotterdamDeep in Vogue will be festively opened on September 18 during Rotterdam Pride. Thirty black and white photographs by the French-Haitian documentary photographer Chantal Regnault tell the story of the structures and mutual affection within the chosen families. The most important aspects of ballroom culture from the 1980s to the present will be highlighted.

Chantal Regnault | Connie Girl Fleming, backstage at the largest grand march ever during the AIDS benefit Palladium
New York, June 1990

Chantal Regnault | Legendary voguer Willi Ninja with body jewelry by Thierry Mugler
New York, June 1989

Back to the year 1970

For the origins of ballroom culture, let's go back in time to the year 1970 and the New York neighborhood of Harlem. Gay men and transgender women, black and of color, often face exclusion and discrimination both outside and within the LGBTQIA+ community. They create their self-chosen families, the so-called houses, and come together during balls: safe places where different ideals apply than in the outside world, where white and straight is the norm. Queens imitate poses of fashion models and outdo each other on the dance floor in extravagant clothing and make-up. This creates a stylized form of dancing, better known as Voguing. 

Originating from the underground scene in New York, the ballroom scene first received attention from the general public when Madonna launched her music video Vogue in 1990. In recent years, ballroom has again attracted attention through the television series Pose and ballroom events at major festivals.

Chantal Regnault | Legendary voguers Luis, Danny, Jose and David-Ian Xtravaganza
New York, May 1989

Video

Documentary maker Ottilie Maters will portray five elements of vogue performance especially for the exhibition. She also shows video footage of contemporary ballroom culture in Europe. Multidisciplinary fashion house MAISON the FAUX is responsible for the design of Deep in Vogue.

Click here for more information about the exhibition. 

Ottilie Maters | Princess Gaby Vineyard, Mother Amber Vineyard, Typhoon Angels chant and cheer a 'Voguer' (participant) at the 'Emerald City Ball' organized by House of Vineyard Milkshake Festival, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 2017