Sneaky Ciggy

Characterized by bold patterns, vibrant fabrics, and quirky grimace on distorted bodies barely contained by their frames, Kevin Sabo's subjects depict drag as an ongoing process of transformation. Entirely imagined and fictional, these character-style figures reference pivotal moments and influences in queer and pop culture.

In this series, Sabo focuses on the influence of high fashion on the drag community. Inspired by the documentary ’Paris Is Burning’ and Madonna’s ‘Girlie Show’ Tour, that thrusted Vogueing into the mainstream, Sabo seeks to capture the extravagant, opulent essence of queer admiration and vogue culture.

This show presents each painting in pairs, juxtaposing "masc" (masculine) and "femme" (feminine) counterparts. Each feminine figure is matched with a painting of men in suits, marking a new direction for Sabo as he blends masculine elements with his signature prissy, feminine allure.

Beyond fashion, this series also takes a playful jab at the corporate workplace, imagining how it could be transformed through the lens of drag. Each subject, whether masculine or feminine, is dressed in extravagant, whimsical outfits, with names that mock corporate culture.  Through the titles, Sabo humorously critiques what he considers absurdities of traditional corporate environments through wordplay and satirical references.