SECRET IDENTITIESThe PieceSecret Identities is a fine art photography series drawing a stark parallel between the perceived performativity of transness and the cultural iconography of superheroes.
The images portray scenes of a queer couple’s daily life, where they have been styled from the neck down as drag performers, while also wearing Batman masks. This calls upon the famous comic argument that Batman is the “real” person, and his “secret identity” of Bruce Wayne is actually the performance. The series aims to challenge viewers’ assumptions, asserting that what many see as a spectacle may actually be more mundane — and, in turn, authentic — for others.
Moreover, with the ongoing sociopolitical persecution of trans people, drag performers, and the “visibly queer,” Secret Identities reminds viewers that there is an inherent heroism in expressing your true self.
The series was selected for What Casts a Shadow, a juried group exhibit at SVA’s Gramercy Gallery, and excerpts from the series were also featured in (be)longing, a public art installation in the windows along Grand Street in Brooklyn. (be)longing was curated by Emily Markert, with support from the Grand Street BID, and the installation was featured on NY1 News in June 2023.
Secret Identities was shot in collaboration with Savannah Shearouse (known on stage as Nita Squeeze), a Broadway hair & make-up artist and professional drag performer, and features non-binary actor Erin Noll as the lead model alongside Joseph.
Production was made possible through the support of producer Eli Daar. Special Thanks to Hairrari Barbers for donating their space.
