Between Charl and Amy

Amy Housewine is one of Amsterdam's most famous drag queens. Everything about Amy's appearance is large, over the top and completely focused on attracting attention and response from the outside world. The transformation that precedes it, is all the opposite; an intimate moment with small rituals that take place far from the spotlight. During the several hours that Charl needs to turn into Amy, he is alone in his home - a safe habitat that keeps out prying eyes. When I came over to his house to shoot this portrait, at first he felt naked and vulnerable. As time passed, he changed character. He shifted from apprehensive to vigorous. Each layer of paint brings him closer to the extrovert Amy and takes him away from the ageing Charl.