Pride and celebration radiate throughout Zaca’s black-and-white images of the annual Fire Island Invasion
The Fire Island Invasion of the Pines is an annual event that takes place on July 4 on Fire Island, New York. The inaugural invasion took place in 1976 when a drag queen was denied entry into a restaurant in the Pines and a group of her friends, also dressed in drag, stormed the island in protest. Since then, the invasion has been repeated every year, with hundreds of drag queens descending on the Pines to commemorate and celebrate this original act of protest. This book marks the 50th anniversary of this historic cultural phenomenon. New York–based photographer Anderson Zaca (born 1976) began documenting the Invasion in 2007. Shot using black-and-white film and a medium format camera, Zaca's work combines traditional and contemporary elements, showcasing the intricate details of each scene and capturing the beautifully contradictory nature of the individuals involved. With over 3,000 images spanning almost two decades, Zaca's photographs serve as both an archive and a tribute to the transformative power of the art of drag during this iconic annual celebration.
PRAISE AND REVIEWS
Hyperallergic
Daniel Larkin
Whereas most photos of drag queens are staged in dark spaces at night, Zaca excels at the challenge of portraying these artists in full sunlight and accentuating the spectacular ironies of drag on the seashore.
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Saturday, June 21, from 1–2 PM, the International Center of Photography presents photographer Anderson Zaca speaking about his practice and his new release—Fire Island Invasion: Day of Independence, published by Damiani—at ICP’s Photobook Club. This event is free to attend. Get tickets here. continue to blog
Anderson Zaca's photographs capture the magic of the annual Fire Island Invasion, which has brought thousands of queer people and drag queens to the Pines since the 1970s in the spirit of rebellion and celebration. Wednesday, June 25, from 6–7:45 PM, Rizzoli Bookstore presents Zaca in conversation with essayist Thom (Panzi) Hansen, leader of the original 1976 invasion. The discussion will be followed by a signing of Fire Island Invasion: Day of Independence, published by Damiani.
PLEASE NOTE: RSVPs are encouraged but not required. Seating is limited and will be first come, first served. Doors open at 5:30 pm. Register here.
Can't attend? Order your signed copy here (please specify that you would like it signed in the comments box at checkout). continue to blog
FORMAT: Hbk, 8.5 x 8.5 in. / 156 pgs / 189 duotone. LIST PRICE: U.S. $50.00 LIST PRICE: CANADA $75 ISBN: 9788862088336 PUBLISHER: Damiani AVAILABLE: 5/6/2025 DISTRIBUTION: D.A.P. RETAILER DISC: TRADE PUBLISHING STATUS: Active AVAILABILITY: In stock TERRITORY: NA LA
Anderson Zaca: Fire Island Invasion Day of Independence
Published by Damiani. Introduction by Thom (Panzi) Hansen.
Pride and celebration radiate throughout Zaca’s black-and-white images of the annual Fire Island Invasion
The Fire Island Invasion of the Pines is an annual event that takes place on July 4 on Fire Island, New York. The inaugural invasion took place in 1976 when a drag queen was denied entry into a restaurant in the Pines and a group of her friends, also dressed in drag, stormed the island in protest. Since then, the invasion has been repeated every year, with hundreds of drag queens descending on the Pines to commemorate and celebrate this original act of protest. This book marks the 50th anniversary of this historic cultural phenomenon.
New York–based photographer Anderson Zaca (born 1976) began documenting the Invasion in 2007. Shot using black-and-white film and a medium format camera, Zaca's work combines traditional and contemporary elements, showcasing the intricate details of each scene and capturing the beautifully contradictory nature of the individuals involved. With over 3,000 images spanning almost two decades, Zaca's photographs serve as both an archive and a tribute to the transformative power of the art of drag during this iconic annual celebration.
