Drag artist and make-up extraordinaire Formelda Hyde uses nightmares for inspiration.
Drag artist Formelda Hyde channels mystery and horror into their artistry and performance. Inspired by horror classics, such as the Rocky Horror Picture Show and the work of Guillermo Del Toro, they conceptualise the darkness of identity and the intense parts of ourselves that we often hide.
Speaking to Perfect, Formelda Hyde shares the importance of the artistic exploration and how finding your own identity is a life-long process of self-expression that should challenge and empower one’s self.
Perfect: When were you first introduced to drag and the art form?
Formelda Hyde: I was first introduced to drag when I was 13. A friend and I watched the Rocky Horror Picture Show and I was completely in awe with drag from then on! Then I found out what monster drag was when I found Dragula season one in 2016.
Perfect: How would you describe your work? When did this first come to be?
Formelda Hyde: I would describe my work as the love child of Clive barker and Guillermo Del Toro! It’s pure horror, a lot of elements of fetishes and it’s also glamour in its own way!
Perfect: What parts of yourself are reflected most in Formelda Hyde?
Formelda Hyde: I would say that my fears are reflected the most in Formelda Hyde. I mean, I’m literally the embodiment of everything I’m afraid of. I’m terrified of anything medical, and like I mentioned, most of my looks come from nightmares that I’ve had.
Perfect: What is your creative process when putting together a look?
Formelda Hyde: My creative process always starts with a drawing or painting! I love drawing these creatures I want to embody. Most of the time these creatures come from a dream journal. From there I’ll start the creative process of picking out fabrics, materials and paints that I need for the building process.
Perfect: What do you enjoy most about your work?
Formelda Hyde: I love the versatility of my work! I’m a complete shapeshifter and I love that I always look different yet similar enough to know that it’s me.
Perfect: What advice would you give someone who is interested in exploring identity with creativity?
Formelda Hyde: Just always be yourself! Don’t feel like you have to fit in to be liked. Let that freak flag fly high and show everyone WHO YOU ARE!
