In 2017, veteran photographer Ben Fink embarked on a journey to illuminate the legacy of the Imperial Court. Over a period of seven years and thousands of miles of travel, the award-winning artist captured scores of iconic Imperial Court personalities in dreamlike and distinctive tableaus.
The result of Fink's artistic labors is the elegant hardbound coffee table book, "Noble Deeds: Mythic Portraits of the Imperial Court." It's an epic tribute to the activists and shape-shifters of the Imperial Court and their unwavering dedication to community service, queer activism and philanthropy.
"Noble Deeds" opens with a comprehensive essay tracing the historic origins of the Imperial Court up to the present day, while also connecting their costumed drag gatherings to a tradition that goes back to the Roman Empire. This unique book is a captivating salute to an enduring cultural phenomenon and its pivotal role in LGBTQ+ history.
Artist Ben Fink blends photography with digital art to explore themes of otherness and the struggle for acceptance. In 1990s New York City, Ben began photographing corporate brands and iconic food personalities, including Bobby Flay, Trisha Yearwood, and Eva Longoria. Ben's personal artistic projects have appeared in exhibitions around the world.
Ben will launch "Noble Deeds" in San Francisco during the 60th Imperial Court Coronation celebrations in February, themed "Neon Tropical: A Radiant Legacy." Fink discussed his inspiration for the portrait series.
Michele Karlsberg: How did you develop the style and concept for "Noble Deeds?"
My artistic style has evolved significantly since I began this genre of art, and I applied this changing approach to creating "Noble Deeds." Rooted in traditional portraiture, this project blends real-life subjects with imaginative fantasy backdrops. These backgrounds serve as personal narratives; the grandiose stories we live and tell ourselves. It's a fusion that transforms ordinary portraiture into a visual tapestry of collective mythologies.
How did you become fascinated by mythology? What drew you to it?
My fascination with mythology stems from a lifelong love of storytelling. It was further nurtured by my Southern roots and enriched by academic studies in art history. While traditional myths influence my work, I'm more drawn to the personal mythologies we construct about ourselves and our communities.
This narrative exploration is rooted in folktales and personal histories, and it truly informs the direction and growth of my personal artistic expression.
When it comes to photo editing, your style is truly distinctive. How much time do you spend editing a single photo?
My approach to editing is deeply influenced by my wide-reaching artistic background, spanning painting, graphic design, filmmaking, photography, and art history. This eclectic educational foundation shapes my distinctive multimedia style. For Noble Deeds, I set up temporary studios at coronation sites, capturing subjects against a neutral backdrop.
During editing back in my studio, I meticulously select and add images that capture the regal and theatrical essence of each subject, often guided by personal anecdotes as well as intuition. I then remove backgrounds and construct environments that enhance the narrative depth of the artwork. This process can take as much as 20 hours per piece, reflecting a total commitment for Noble Deeds to be over 7,000 hours of artistic work over the course of seven years.
What chief narrative is your collection meant to convey?
While each image in Noble Deeds tells its own collective story, the series narration is the the tale of a community united by a common cause: advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ community. It celebrates individuals from the Imperial Court who, through their regal presence and philanthropic efforts, created transformative change in society.
Why did you select Joe E. Jeffreys to write the introduction?
Choosing Joe E Jeffreys to write the foreword was intentional, given his deep expertise in drag culture, his skill as a visual artist and historian, and his role as a professor at New York University.
His contribution added a nuanced layer of context to Noble Deeds, perfectly aligning with the project's mythological themes and goals. Joe's perspective uniquely resonated with the narrative of the project.
In ten years, where do you envision yourself and your photography?
Looking ahead, I envision myself continuing to expand my artistic horizons. Ideally, I'll have authored several illustrated books, as well as a novel, and be engaged in autobiographical writing.
Teaching, particularly sharing insights on creativity and artistic processes globally, is another aspiration. Living in Europe would be a dream come true, providing an inspiring backdrop for this next chapter of my artistic journey.
www.benfinkart.com
60th San Francisco Imperial Court Coronation, 'Neon Tropical: A Radiant Legacy' events, February 19-23. www.sfimperialcouncil.org
Michele Karlsberg Marketing and Management specializes in publicity and marketing for the LGBTQ+ community. This year, Karlsberg celebrates 36 years of successful campaigns. www.michelekarlsberg.com
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