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Shapeshifting between various ethereal and alien forms, drag artist Coco Klein has forged a unique identity and secured a well-deserved place among the legends of the international drag scene.
Channeling a magical essence, Coco captivates and dazzles audiences through inspired, conceptual displays of gender-bending, psychedelic, and esoteric artistry, remarkably defying the status quo of modern drag. Their work challenges popular notions that drag artists must present feminine personas and adhere to conventional performance norms to achieve success.
In a landscape where many cling to the security of blending in, Coco Klein authentically dares to stand out and embrace oddities. Proudly self-proclaiming as a 'drag artist'—rather than Queen, King, or even Thing—they reflect a continuous effort to create profound visual and performance art that resonates beyond the gig, all the while championing the unconventional, and remaining true to themselves.
Born in Toronto, Canada, Coco grew up immersed in dance and performance. As a praised dancer, fusing their backgrounds in contemporary, hip-hop and ballet and young actor with a talent for evoking emotion, Coco's determination and commitment to performance from adolescence paved the way for the astute, creative life they lead and advocate for.
After relocating to Vancouver, BC, Coco Klein evolved into a fully realized drag persona, a name known amongst the local drag enthusiasts, and local oddballs. Despite being conceptualized and brought to life years prior while studying ballet in Toronto, Coco Klein experienced an artistic rebirth when they stumbled into the vibrant music and arts festival scene of the West Coast. This event reinvigorated their creative spark and catalyzed the emergence of the innovative and original drag artistry that defines Coco Klein today.
Coco Klein has made a significant impact on stages at some of the world’s top music festivals, helping pave the way for more drag representation in the West Coast festival scene including Bass Coast (BC, Canada) & Shambhala (BC, Canada).
Coco has expanded their reach globally by igniting international festivals including Burning Man (USA), WHOLE Festival (Germany), Fusion Festival (Germany), Garbicz (Poland) and Boomtown Fair (UK).
Their artistry and gift for self-expression transcend their identity as a drag artist, permeating every aspect of their life. Whether praised as a costume designer and stylist on film, tv and music video sets, curating community events and inspired functions, or simply getting dressed in the morning with an effortlessly fierce & eccentric look, Coco embraces every opportunity to create and revel in life’s joys. Sharing art with the world is fundamentally who they are—an artist.
Having relocated to Berlin to deepen their connection with art in all its forms, Coco continues to create with passion and remarkable individuality. Life in Berlin has propelled them even further into a realm of boundless artistry and expression transcending beyond "drag".
Notably, Coco has become a regular host and performer at the renowned "Lunchbox Candy," debuted their first ever solo-hosted, interactive, live game show "So You Think You Can Drag" encouraging newcomers and audience members to experience the magic of drag by setting up a quick-drag station fully equipped with fabulous costumes, wigs and makeup where participants get into 2-minute makeovers and lip-sync battle each other for the fun and love of radical self-expression in its highest form.
They are also a regular host and MC of weekly events, karaoke nights at the world famous Monster Ronsons, and frequent performer at some of Berlin's most legendary parties including House of Lunacy, Gegen, Pornceptual, Fluid Vision & Dissident.
Just when you think this multi-faceted artist has shown all their tricks, Coco has also taken up DJing. They craft a unique soundscape that keeps people dancing and coming back for more, blending North America's West Coast basslines with newly adopted Euro dance trends to create a distinct, original style. Finding a fresh way to mix uplifting & bouncy hard house, breakbeats, melodic techno and disco influences layered with rap, hip-hop, UK grime & UKG.
Over the past 2 years abroad, Klein has developed some of the most resonant work in their portfolio. They have collaborated with numerous peers and creatives on projects ranging from clothing and design to photo campaigns, magazine spreads, fundraising events, protests, and, of course, festivals.
Most recently, Coco Klein has an original costume they designed on display at Museum Für Gestaltung in Zurich, Switzerland as part of the exhibit TRANSFORMATION featuring the legendary OG Queen of NYC nightlife Susanne Bartsch. The exhibition focuses on her most iconic looks over her decades of hosting the most extravagant queer parties since the 80s. The exhibit also features a creators section of Club Kids, Performers, Designers & Musicians that Susanne has collaborated with over the years. Coco's original look is standing tall on display amongst the likes of Chappel Roan, Christian Louboutin, Matieres Fecales, Hungry, Gottmik & Aquaria, to name a few.
Coco has also recently made their mark on New York's world-class performance scene, inclduing the legendary House of Yes in Brooklyn as well as the world famous Slipper Room in Manhattan. Coco Klein was also brought on as a live art installation at MoMA PS1 for Susanne Bartsch's iconic Halloween party "Night at the Museum" with various celebrity hosts and immersive art installations transforming the notorious space.
As much as Coco Klein has achieved in their 11 year long career, they really are just getting started as they pivot directions once again to birth their soul-purpose-passion-projects into reality through writing, directing and producing as they re-emerge into the film, tv, fashion and music industries in a whole new way, stepping into their power and claiming their genius to unlock new levels of artistic vision to expand to the masses, rooted in social justice and queer rights activism.
Follow Coco Klein on socials to keep up with what they are creating @coco_klein
THE FUTURE IS QUEER
AND IT IS COMING SOON......