Walking into the ICA last Friday night you’d be forgiven for thinking the streets of Dalston must be dead and deserted, for it seemed the entirety of the East End gay massive had descended upon the pristine white walls of the gallery’s bar in their caps, studs, boots and peacock colours. And the reason for this invasion? Why, Vogue Fabrics’ live art/cabaret installation night, Icy Gays.
Hosted by the ever fabulous Sharon Husbands, striding through the crowds in her high heels, beard and big blonde curls, the evening began with some rousing notes from operatic drag star Le Gateaux Chocolate. Next, ‘back from the dead’, as Sharon introduced her, was Jeannie Dee herself, an antiquated but engaging performer.
However, where the night really provoked and challenged was with ‘trans-aggressive’ transgender performance artist Rose Wood. Renowned for both thrilling and terrifying her audiences, she did not disappoint this evening, cutting herself with a knife and then proceeding to fist herself over a dinner feast table. Heads turned away, there were whispers of ‘that can’t be real’, but it was a moment of artistic expression that forced people to watch and ask why – and for that, Wood massively achieved her aims.
The girl who covered herself with a range of fruit juices, and possibly used to be a boy, deserves a mention as did Jonny Woo’s very funny Margaret Thatcher tribute video. But the other stars of the night were the brilliant Bourgeois & Maurice. Singing a range of satirical songs, laced with sharp sardonic wit, they gained and held the audience’s attention for all of their set. Maurice’s green sequinned catsuit and their innovative dissection of the wrongs of social media made for a brilliant highlight of the second half.
Overall, this was art presented as it should be: involving, engaging, wit-filled and thought-provoking, and crossing genders and sexualities – the two straight girls I brought with me were just as impressed as I was. I advise you not to miss the next instalment of this night!
• ICA, The Mall, St James’ Park, SW1Y 5AH, www.voguefabricsdalston.com
