From Digital Camera World · · 1m
Tim Walker's Fairyland: Queer Portraits
Tim Walker's exhibition celebrates 50 years of queer activism through stark portraits against white backgrounds.
In brief
Tim Walker's exhibition celebrates 50 years of queer activism through stark portraits against white backgrounds. White backgrounds highlight the subjects' stories without distraction. Originally reported by Digital Camera World.
White Backdrops
Walker uses plain white backgrounds to honor his subjects' stories without visual clutter.
“Just as I learned from the queer artists who came before me, some of whom I'm lucky enough to have met and photographed here, Fairyland is me saying you are not alone”
Ian McKellen's Hands
Walker's portrait of Ian McKellen shows hands forming the word 'love' in front of him.
“Walker asked some of the sitters to bring an object that meant something to them”
Rebel Dykes
The Rebel Dykes are photographed in leather jackets and towering beehive wigs against a field backdrop.
“The show opens with portraits of founding members of the Gay Liberation Front and Stonewall”
Glitter Queens
Paul O'Grady and Julian Clary pose as the Glitter Queens in a rococo fantasy scene.
“The second half of the show turns to fashion and performance”
Queeristocracy
Walker calls the Gay Liberation Front and Stonewall activists his 'queeristocracy' in Tudor-style portraits.
“The show opens with portraits of founding members of the Gay Liberation Front and Stonewall”
Fairyland Exhibition
Tim Walker's Fairyland exhibition runs from 9 October to 7 February at the National Portrait Gallery.
“Tim Walker's Fairyland: Love and Legends at London's National Portrait Gallery brings together 250 new portraits”
50 Years of Activism
The exhibition celebrates 50 years of queer activism, community, and love through diverse portraits.
“Tim Walker's Fairyland: Love and Legends brings together 250 new portraits celebrating over 50 years of Queer activism”
Stark Portraits
Walker's stark portraits focus on the subjects' personalities rather than elaborate sets.
“A successful portrait is not about the background, it's about the sitter”
What to remember
White backgrounds highlight the subjects' stories without distraction.
