Connor Henderson Photo
Connor Henderson
Applicant for Admission to the Master of Fine Arts Program at Queens College
Concentration: Social Practice Art
Contact Information
Professional References:
Francois Deschamps, Professor of Photography
deschamf@newpaltz.edu
Desiree Cohill, Assistant Principal
DCohill@schools.nyc.gov
Joan Barker, Professor of Art
jbarkerimages@gmail.com
Andrea Frank, Professor of Photography
franka@newpaltz.edu
Portfolio Images can be enlarged by clicking on them.
Queen Sanctuary
This project depicts drag queens as they perform for the camera, inviting a level of admiration and
intrigue to this expressive political art form. The culture surrounding the LGBTQ+ community is one born from years of oppression. Since the activation of the gay liberation movement, drag queens have been vital
in the fight for equality. These individuals have been known for their persistence, drive, fearlessness, and will to fight for what is right. These years of defiance have cultivated the gay clubs and queer spaces we are able to call our sanctuaries today.
Strawberry, Digital Photograph
Beverly, Digital Photograph
Valkyrie, Digital Photograph
Isis, Digital Photograph
Blair, Digital Photograph
Victoria, Digital Photograph
Looking Down the Barrel, Digital Photograph
Work From Queen Sanctuary Exhibited at The Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art
Valkyrie, Digital Photograph, Wood, Polyfil, Fabric
Strawberry, Digital Photograph, Wood, Polyfil, Fabric
Victoria, Digital Photograph, Wood, Polyfil, Fabric
Beverly, Digital Photograph, Wood, Polyfil, Fabric
You Wouldn't Boogie Wonderstand, Wood, Plexiglass, found objects
The Alter, Fabric, Wood, Found Objects
Detail View: The Alter, Fabric, Wood, Found Objects
This piece was covered with 500 laser cut bar coasters displaying 250 different images shot in different queer clubs and spaces throughout the duration of this project.
The Boy Within
These images are from a series I created of a Drag Performer undressing under hot lamps. I shot them with a 35mm camera on a black backdrop. I began the project with several discussions of what drag is and what it can hide and mask but also what it can accentuate and celebrate about the performer. The images that resulted showcased vulnerability, but also confidence and power of "the boy within the queen".
Untitled, 35mm Photograph
From series "The Boy Within"
Untitled, 35mm Photograph
From series "The Boy Within"
Untitled, 35mm Photograph
From series "The Boy Within"
Untitled, 35mm Photograph
From series "The Boy Within"
All Is Alright?
Sometimes, our outward appearance is a stark contrast from how we are truly feeling inside. In this project I contrasted online comments with the text from the New York Times headline the day after the Marriage Equality Act was passed by the Supreme Court. I then juxtaposed the text over imagery of my body.
"We have made much progress but there is still so much work to be done."
I later created a silk screen with the graphic and experimented printing in different inks on different materials.
All is Alright?, Digital Collage
Public V.s. Private
For this project, I wanted to explore the idea of surveillance in our society and make a statement about how little privacy we truly have in public spaces. I stood outside of this building and photographed everyone that walked by for a half of an hour. I then edited the photos, removing any that were unclear, and cropping into each person's face. I printed 100 of the photographs I shot on 11" x 17" paper and then returned to the building at the same time, one week later, and hung the photographs up. I then watched and documented the reactions of people in the area. Many people were shocked and some upset about their faces, and the faces of others, being presented in this way. Many began to question what privacy they truly had. I later found out that the entire installation was watched on surveillance videos by the police department, which added a whole other unexpected level of surveillance to the project.
Public V.s. Private, Installation - Photographic Laser jet Prints, Masking Tape
Installation in Progress
30 Minutes after Installation
One Hour after Installation