Ore, also known as Monsieur Bombastic, is a unique drag king based in Chicago who explores themes of body horror, sex, and death in his performances. He grew up as a visual artist in Texas and later attended the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in art-related fields.
Ore’s artistic journey began at a young age, showcasing his ballpoint ink illustrations in galleries across the United States and Germany. His work often depicted the human body undergoing various transformations, portraying a mix of pleasure and pain. As he continued to post his art online, Ore developed a strong online community and eventually delved into character-based work, inspired by his love for video games and fascination with decay and mortality.
Monsieur Bombastic emerged as Ore’s drag king persona, evolving over time to embody a dark, chaotic character with elements of lust, greed, and tragedy. Through his performances, Ore explores the intersection of human desires and monstrous qualities, creating a captivating and eerie presence on stage. His acts often involve elaborate costumes and props, with a focus on body horror and the exploration of taboo themes.
In one of his recent performances, Monsieur Bombastic transforms into a dark elf character with a seductive yet menacing presence. As he strips down to reveal a decaying body covered in gore, Ore immerses the audience in a visual and auditory experience that challenges traditional notions of beauty and sexuality. The act culminates in a dramatic reveal, showcasing a symbolic representation of eroticism and death inspired by philosophical concepts.
Despite his initial shyness and timidity, Ore’s journey as Monsieur Bombastic has led him to become a regular performer in Chicago’s drag scene, co-producing shows and exploring abstract storytelling through visual and F/X work. His commitment to pushing boundaries and engaging both artists and audiences has shaped his evolution as a performer, allowing him to create captivating and thought-provoking experiences for his audience.
As Ore continues to explore new artistic avenues and develop his craft, he remains grateful for the opportunities that have come his way and looks forward to sharing more engaging and innovative work with his audience. Monsieur Bombastic’s unique blend of performance art, drag, and visual storytelling promises to captivate and challenge audiences in the years to come.
