The Hulett Collection presents Cowboys & Queens, a striking new exhibition by British photographer Jane Hilton, on view from September 19 to November 15, 2025. This vibrant series explores the collision and coexistence of two quintessentially American archetypes—the cowboy and the drag queen—each embodying freedom, individuality, and self-expression in their own dazzling way.
Through Hilton’s lens, Cowboys & Queens becomes a portrait of a reimagined American Dream: one that embraces both tradition and transformation. The open skies and rugged landscapes of the West blend seamlessly with the glittering lights of nightclubs and cabarets, revealing unexpected parallels between the stoic cowboy’s endurance and the drag queen’s flamboyant artistry. Both figures challenge conventions, standing proudly as symbols of authenticity and liberation.
Hilton’s inspiration spans from the cinematic visions of Sergio Leone and Quentin Tarantino to cultural icons like RuPaul, creating an aesthetic that is both timeless and daringly contemporary. Her photographs—at once raw, tender, and cinematic—capture the spirit of a “new Americana,” where diversity and defiance coexist in harmony.
Renowned for her deep engagement with American culture, Jane Hilton has spent more than twenty-five years documenting the complexities of the American West. Her work reveals the extraordinary within ordinary lives, portraying individuals with honesty and empathy. Previous solo exhibitions include LA Gun Club at Eleven Gallery, London (2016); American Cowboy at Nailya Alexander Gallery, New York (2015); and Jane Hilton’s America at Schilt Gallery, Amsterdam (2014).
Hilton’s work has been featured in major international publications, including The Sunday Times Magazine, The Telegraph Magazine, and the Financial Times Magazine. In 2014, she was honored with an Honorary Fellowship from the Royal Photographic Society and named one of the Hundred Heroines celebrating women’s impact on global photography. Hilton lives and works in London.
Image: Pate Meinzer, Cowboy, Benjamin, Texas, 2009 Archival Digital C-Type 23 x 28" © Jane Hilton
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