Book Review: ONYX by Adrienne Raquel
ONYX, Celebrities Room Kali
Image Courtesy of Adrienne Raquel and Damiani Books
Written by Max Wiener
Copy Edited by Robyn Hager
Photo Edited by Olivia Castillo
There is a certain feeling that comes with hearing the word “stripper.” It evokes a sense of mystique that is heavily influenced by the societal representation of these performers. This crafted image, however, is one that stirs up controversy all across the country. So why does society shun these people and label them as “lewd” or “crude?” If they’re performing their art form, wouldn’t they be the same as actors or singers? Why do they get all the praise while strippers have to hide behind thick velvet curtains? Onyx, Adrienne Raquel’s fabulous book, is a beautiful dispelling of all the mainstream misconceptions about the art of stripping. Set in the dark rooms of the eponymous (and iconic) Houston club, Onyx is a portrayal of the artform unlike anything we’ve ever seen.
ONYX, Red Room Money
Image Courtesy of Adrienne Raquel and Damiani Books
ONYX, The Greenlight
Image Courtesy of Adrienne Raquel and Damiani Books
There has been a push in the modern era to recognize sex workers as legitimate employees of the American workforce. Just like a banker or a baker, strippers go to work every day in order to make a living, and that’s exactly what Onyx aims to portray. Instead of feeding into the classic tropes of American strippers, Raquel’s photography highlights the humility of the performers that adds a beautiful well of familiarity to the book. Each picture is intimate, depicted as if they are meant for private viewing. There’s rarely an addition of outside light to make it more staged than it already is; we’re seeing exactly what we’re meant to. This is Raquel’s brilliance behind the camera shown in full effect.
Image Courtesy of Adrienne Raquel and Damiani Books
Behind the allure of a stage name and glamorously manicured nails are people earning a wage just like everyone else. Not only that, but the women working at Onyx have such a lovely familial connection in some of Raquel’s photos that beautifully highlight the humility in their work. Rarely do we see a stripper in the locker room preparing for a night’s work, and this is very important to understanding the full scope of Raquel’s work. Her work is symbolic of putting on a figurative mask and seeking approval from those around us.
Image Courtesy of Adrienne Raquel and Damiani Books
Onyx truly is a landmark book in the argument for the acknowledgement and positive portrayal of sex workers. If anyone is hesitant to accept this form of work (and performance) as legitimate, then this is the book to show them. Raquel’s delicate photographic work will not only bring you right into the ambiance of Onyx, but make you feel like the women in the photos are people you know and interact with. What the book does the most, however, is show us the strength and beauty in these women and honors their profession with nobility and respect. Not everyone is built with the courage to pursue such a bearing and vulnerable profession, and Onyx makes us realize that to the highest degree.
Image Courtesy of Adrienne Raquel and Damiani Books
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