Andy Warhol: Drag & Draw

This book brings attention to two lesser-known series of drawings from the 1950s, in which Andy Warhol delved into the controversial and deeply personal subject of drag before becoming the iconic figure of Pop art. His early work, preceding his Pop art fame, greatly influenced his later career but has remained relatively obscure.

In 1953, Warhol created two distinct series of drawings unrelated to his commissioned work. In one series, he crafted a collection of lively women, drawing inspiration from photos of stage divas and men in drag. With the second series, he explored the art of cross-dressing by portraying men in both high and low drag. This book examines Warhol's work, with a focus on recently discovered photographs that his friend, photographer Otto Fenn, explicitly arranged for Warhol's artistic exploration. "Drag & Draw" sheds light on the hidden gay and drag scenes in 1950s New York during a time of repression.