I was privileged to know Quentin Crisp during the last five years of her life. Throughout this time, I created four major works that are deeply personal portrayals of her. Quentin was 90 years old when she died on November 21, 1999, yet anyone who admires her wit and courage will continue to be inspired by her today.

I first saw Quentin when she played Elizabeth I in the 1993 film Orlando. I was mesmerized. My work at that time was mainly concerned with how people are wrongly devalued and excluded because of their eccentricities, sexual identity, physicality, or other aspects of their humanity. I saw perfection in this idiosyncratic human being.

Two years later, I met her at Exit Art, where she was performing. Afterward, I approached her and expressed my admiration for her artistry and interest in painting her portrait. Surprisingly and without hesitation, she replied, "Do what you will with me." So, I spent the next three years spending time with and painting portraits of Quentin Crisp.

As you can see, Quentin had a powerful and completely self-accepting presence. Although she was known for being an author, raconteur, philosopher, and actor, she was most famous for being famous. She wore a black fedora and a striped cravat and had lilac-rinsed hair, pancake makeup, and long fingernails. Always true to herself, her courage and self-acceptance made her an icon to the gay community during her lifetime. Never forgotten.

GIUSTINA SURBONE

GIUSTINA SURBONE

Drag