Davina, Cape Town
Elliott Gallery & Het Zuid-Afrikahuis are excited to present:
Drag Daughters
A Solo Exhibition
by Michelle Sank
7th May 2026 - July 7th 2026
at Het Zuid-Afrikahuis | Keizersgracht 141-C | 1015 CK, Amsterdam
What began as a chance encounter with a stranger on Cape Town’s Promenade, Drag Daughters by Michelle Sank developed into a powerful body of work portraying some of the city’s most exquisite drag queens. The series follows six young men who have grown up in townships and, despite facing rejection or having to hide their identities in the past, are now becoming more accepted, striving to make a difference within the communities they grew up in.
Included in the exhibition are an empowering collection of portraits that move beyond the conventional depiction of drag in pageants or nightclub performances. Removed from theatrical settings, and stripped of spectacle, Michelle Sank’s photographs reveal the poised presence, pride and individuality of each of her subjects. At the same time, the images radiate performance and allure, reflecting the vibrant personalities of the drag queens dressed in breathtaking costumes against the neutral background of a hotel lobby or the streets of their township neighbourhood.
In a country still navigating the legacies of apartheid alongside ongoing social challenges, these images speak powerfully of visibility and change. Drag Daughters is a testament to the dynamic and evolving drag scene in South Africa, inviting us to appreciate and celebrate this vibrant facet of society.
“I think [because of] the trauma that South Africans have gone through, there is now a sense of individuality and expression … and people are out there, people are open. Obviously, there are real issues still, but my work there has been acelebration of what is happening…people are empowered there and the way they manifest that is really interesting”
- Michelle Sank
Michelle Sank grew up during apartheid as the child of immigrant parents, a background that informs her interest in sub-cultures and the exploration of contemporary social issues and challenges. Her crafted portraits meld place and person creating sociological, visual and psychological landscapes and narratives. Known for her work on youth culture, her practice has expanded into long term projects documenting communities and cultures in depth.
Sank has exhibited and published internationally, including the Netherlands, USA, Germany, Canada, Mexico, Australia, Hong Kong, and South Africa. Her work is held in major public and private collections worldwide. She has received numerous awards, including recognition from the Taylor Wessing Prize, The Julia Margaret Cameron awards, the Sony World Photography Awards (Portraiture, 2024), and the Royal Photographic Society, awarding her an Honorary Fellowship.
Het Zuid-Afrikahuuis is an international knowledge institute focusing on the language, culture, and history of South Africa. Its building on the Keizersgracht houses the largest collection of South African (professional) literature in Europe. The collection consists of a library, archive, and image bank. In addition to managing these collections, ZAH organizes events, exhibitions, language courses, and maintains a loyal reading group. Het Zuid-Afrikahuis Foundation funds a chair in South African literature, culture, and history, a thesis prize, manages a scholarship fund, and organizes study trips as part of the Youth Project.
Exhibition Details
Venue: Het Zuid-Afrikahuis, Keizersgracht 141-C, 1015 CK Amsterdam
Opening Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday | 10:00 – 16:00
Admission: Free
Artist Talk & Guided Tour
The exhibition opening event will take place on 7 May 2026 at Het Zuid-Afrikahuis, Amsterdam. Attendees are invited to join a lecture and guided tour with the artist Michelle Sank, followed by a reception.