Opening ‘Drag Daughters’. A Solo Exhibition by Michelle Sank

7 May 2026 – 7 July 2026

Het Zuid-Afrikahuis presents Drag Daughters, a forthcoming solo exhibition by award-winning South African social documentary photographer Michelle Sank. The exhibition offers a captivating look at Cape Town’s rich drag culture, celebrating resilience, community and self-expression. Exhibited for the very first time, the photographs capture the growing sense of visibility, empowerment and cultural transformation within South Africa’s diverse society.

Presented at Het Zuid-Afrikahuis, the exhibition is organised by Het Zuid-Afrikahuis and Elliott Gallery, and curated by Addie Elliott and Eszti Bakos, Elliott Gallery.

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 diff erence 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, refl ecting 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 a celebration of what is happening…people are empowered there and the way they manifest that is really interesting”

About 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.

About Het Zuid-Afrikahuis

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.

About Elliott Gallery

Established in 2003, Elliott Gallery is a leading fine art photography gallery based in Tussen de Bogen, Amsterdam. The gallery’s collection spans early 20th-century photography to contemporary works, representing historically significant and established photographic artists. Working with collectors, institutions, and interior professionals internationally, the gallery develops photography exhibitions and offers art consultancy services that balance artistic relevance with long-term cultural value. The gallery also organises portfolio reviews and mentorship programs, fostering collaborations with established and emerging photographers.

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.

Exhibition Details

The exhibition runs from 7 May, 2026 until 7 July, 2026.

Venue: Het Zuid-Afrikahuis, Keizersgracht 141-C, 1015 CK Amsterdam

Opening Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday | 10:00 – 16:00 Admission exhibition: Free

Admission opening: €10 / 8

Contact Information

For press inquiries, interviews and event information, please contact Eszti Bakos at eszti.bakos@elliott.gallery and Tara Neplenbroek at t.neplenbroek@zuidafrikahuis.nl.

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