Ladies and Gentlemen (FS II.131) is a striking screenprint by Andy Warhol, created in 1975 as part of his powerful Ladies and Gentlemen series. This series comprises portraits of Black and Latinx drag queens and transgender performers, many of whom were recruited from the streets and nightclubs of New York City. FS II.131, in particular, captures one of these unnamed subjects with raw elegance and expressive intensity.
Using his signature silkscreen technique, Warhol overlays bold, often unexpected colors—such as hot pinks, acid greens, and electric blues—on top of a black-and-white photographic base. In FS II.131, the figure gazes slightly away from the viewer, exuding both strength and vulnerability. The composition focuses closely on the face and shoulders, turning a moment of performance into a lasting and dignified image.
Unlike Warhol’s more commercial portraits of celebrities, Ladies and Gentlemen foregrounds individuals from marginalized communities who were often invisible in mainstream media. This work challenges viewers to confront issues of identity, race, gender, and class in 1970s America. At the same time, it celebrates self-expression, transformation, and beauty in all its forms.
Ladies and Gentlemen (FS II.131) is more than a portrait—it’s a cultural document. With it, Warhol pushed beyond fame and surface, giving visibility to those living outside the spotlight, while maintaining the stylistic boldness that defines his legacy.