KARANGAHAPE is a typographic artwork inspired by conversations with drag and burlesque performers on their practice and relationship to Karangahape Road as a site of performance. These interviews with Bebe Gunn, Dolly DeStory, Monty Montgomery, Kiki Kisses, Kita Mean Lilith La Lune, LUNA QUEEN OF THE MOON, Nasty Sistikk, Nat Hugill, Nocturness, Peter Jennings, Praline Parfait, Princess Vivian and Victor Victorious were used as a starting point to develop BOUFFONT, a typeface which responds to contemporary drag and burlesque performance practice. The curly, voluptuous forms are influenced by shapes common in stage makeup and drag wigs, as well as drawing on contemporary and archival Karangahape Road signage, including photographs by artist Fiona Clark. For this project Jackson draws on her/their creative practice as a graphic designer, typographer, title-holding burlesque artist and occasional drag performer.
This physical version is a legacy installation to live on Karangahape Road and be installed in different locations throughout the year. Check it out on display during City of Colour during May.
Thank you to Artspace and Tautai for hosting the first installation.
Brought to you by Karangahape Road Business Association.