"Le Pustra's work radically alters conventions of beauty, glamour and sexuality" - SLEEK MAGAZINE (2 December 2016)
Le Pustra (born 1977) is an artist whose name is synonymous with extravagance, androgyny, and avant-garde creativity. Hailing from England (via South Africa), Le Pustra has emerged as a captivating and enigmatic figure in the contemporary European underground and art scenes. His work represents a fusion of various artistic forms, including performance, visual art, and fashion, that pushes the boundaries of gender and self-expression. In the realm of contemporary cabaret and theater, few figures exude the same level of mystique and glamour as Le Pustra.
The eclectic artistic journey of Le Pustra is, in many ways, a study in transformation and self-reinvention. At the heart of his work is the creation of a striking androgynous persona that challenges conventional notions of identity and beauty. With dramatic makeup, elaborate costumes, and a certain air of mystique, Le Pustra defies categorization and invites audiences to question the very essence of human appearance. One of the defining features of Le Pustra's work is his chameleon-like ability to transform on stage.
"Called an avant-garde artist, Le Pustra draws inspiration for his art from both the historical avant-gardes and circus/variety aesthetics. Pierrot references and costumes play an important role." - Dr Anna-Sophie Jürgens, Assistant Professor (ANU)
The artist's androgynous and enigmatic presence allows him to morph seamlessly into a variety of characters, blurring the boundaries of gender and identity. His visually stunning and thought-provoking performances offer a window into the past while challenging us to contemplate the present. In the spirit of the Weimar era, Le Pustra's work is a celebration of individuality, non-conformity, and the enduring power of artistic expression.
Le Pustra is not confined to a single genre but rather draws from an eclectic mix of cabaret, drag, and avant-garde theater. This fusion of styles in his performances are both captivating and thought-provoking. His ability to seamlessly transition between these genres showcases his versatility as an artist and empath. Le Pustra’s unconventional artistic journey can be best summarized as a continuous metamorphosis and synthesis of numerous identities: from the thrilling debut of an underground cabaret star and sideshow performer, he evolved into a neo-new romantic club kid and an avant-garde fashion muse. His creative vision led him to become an artistic director and story teller, shaping narratives and aesthetics. His debut on television marked a new chapter, showcasing his versatility as an actor and his seductive and strange allure on the screen.
Now, Le Pustra has re-emerged as the vocalist for the big band, The Moka Efti Orchestra (Babylon Berlin). Each transformation reflects a facet of his multifaceted talent, continually redefining the boundaries of performance, imagination and style. His impact is not confined to the stage or the canvas. His distinctive visual style and presentation, characterized by androgynous elegance and a flair for the theatrical, has made him a muse and inspiration for fashion designers, artists, photographers, historians and scientists!
Le Pustra's image have been published in British and Italian Vogue, Hunger Magazine, French Playboy, i-D, Dark Beauty Magazine and various published articles, zines and books on nightlife and clubbing culture including: New Club Kids: London Party Fashion in the Noughties by Oggy Yordanov, What Else Is in the Teaches of Peaches by Peaches, Night Flowers by Damien Frost, Boy Story by Magnus Arrevad, In der Fremde: Pictures from Home by Romeo Alaeff and The Fantastic World of Atelieri O. Haapala.
The legacy of Le Pustra is a testament to the enduring power of art to break down barriers and redefine what it means to be human.
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