Launch "Legendary," 2012 winner of the CDS/Honickman First Book Prize in Photography

 

Duke University Press is proud to join the Center for Documentary Studies in celebrating Gerard H. Gaskin and his forthcoming book Legendary: Inside the House Ballroom Scene, the 2012 winner of the CDS/Honickman First Book Prize in Photography. The book's color and black-and-white photographs document the world of house balls, underground pageants where gay and transgender men and women, mostly African American and Latino, celebrate their most vibrant, spectacular selves as they “walk,” competing for trophies based on costume, attitude, dance moves, and “realness.”

Join us this Thursday, November 7^th, for Gerard H. Gaskin's artist talk at the Center for Documentary Studies in Durham, North Carolina. The event kicks off at 5:30 and the talk begins at 6:30 with an introduction by Deborah Willis, the renowned curator and photographer who chose Gaskin’s longtime project for the prestigious biennial prize. The event is free and open to the public. For directions and additional information, see the event page. 

 

New York City will host several upcoming Legendary events. On Thursday, November 14^th, Gaskin is speaking as part of The Camera Club of New York's 2013/2014 Lecture Series. Location and ticketing information for this event can be found here.

The Department of Photography & Imaging at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts is hosting Gaskin for a book signing and discussion the evening of November 19^th. Joining Gaskin for the discussion are Frank Roberts, whose essay "The Queer Undercommons" appears in Legendary, and Deborah Willis, chair of the department. See the event page for information on tickets and location.

December 1-31^st, W Hotel presents Legends, a month-long photographic exhibition and philanthropic initiative celebrating New York House Ballroom Legends and style culture. Curated by Gaskin, the exhibit will be open to both guests and locals and will feature photos from Legendary. Legends will kick off with a talk, book signing, and reception on November 20, 2013. More details on the event are still to come. Follow us on Facebook to catch all the latest details.

Remember to check out these and more great Duke Press events on our events calendar.