Get ready for a sizzling summer of art as Del LaGrace Volcano's trailblazing photography hits UK shores like a tidal wave. The pioneering photographer, who has spent decades capturing the essence of queer culture, drag kings, and unapologetic desire, is about to make a major splash with two blockbuster exhibitions this summer – one in London and another at the Edinburgh Art Festival.
Volcano's life has been a wild ride, from documenting lesbian cruising culture in 1980s London to embracing their intersex identity in the 1990s. The atypical puberty that led to unwanted medical interventions only fuelled Volcano's determination to express themselves authentically – as captured in their iconic 1995 self-portrait, 'Self Portrait with Blue Beard'. But early press coverage was often scathing, with one journalist likening them to a 'bearded woman' and another making them feel 'extremely uncomfortable'.
Yet Volcano's work has been anything but uncomfortable – it's been revolutionary. Their photographic series, including 'Queer Dyke Cruising' and 'Love Bites', have left an indelible mark on the art world. 'Love Bites', in particular, sparked a firestorm of controversy, earning a temporary ban from US customs due to its explicit lesbian content. But today, these same works are being hailed as masterpieces, shifting Volcano's status from transgressive artist to revered figure within contemporary art.
Reflecting on their journey, Volcano admits they once felt like the world wasn't ready for them – but now they're ready to shine brighter than ever. Having navigated a personal crisis at 65, an age often associated with retirement, Volcano has emerged with renewed zest and focus on their artistic legacy.
This summer's exhibitions offer a chance for audiences to experience the technical brilliance and emotional depth of Volcano's photographs – moving beyond past debates about identity to acknowledge their profound contribution to art and the representation of marginalised communities. So buckle up, folks – it's going to be a wild ride as Del LaGrace Volcano takes centre stage in the UK's vibrant art scene!