Curtis Carman + Milton Garcia Ninja
Recorded on May 22, 2022, in Curtis Carman’s apartment in New York City, this video pairs visual and drag artist Curtis Carman in conversation with cartoonist and ballroom icon Milton Garcia Ninja. In an emotionally vulnerable and tender exchange, the pair reflects on the cultural impact and overlap of drag / ballroom cultures, the complicated politics of Pride, their unique approaches to living their art in both material and embodied mediums, and more. Additionally, each artist takes a moment to individually showcase some of their artwork and delve deeper into their processes in two shorter videos below.
Curtis Carman
Curtis Carman was introduced to drag when he first moved to New York City in 1985 by his life partner of 35 years, drag legend Flawless Sabrina (aka Jack Doroshow). They loved the downtown nightlife at infamous East Village clubs, such as The Pyramid Club, Boy Bar, The World, and later they frequented the renowned “Jackie 60” parties at Mother’s. In the 1990’s he was bestowed with the drag name “Curtsy” by NYC drag queen Sweetie.
Carman’s late AIDS diagnosis in 1996 allowed his to receive the benefits of a new HIV treatment at the time, termed “the cocktail.” Although still weakened from HIV complications, Carman began art studies at Hunter College in 1999. He received an MFA in sculpture in 2006. In his work he uses a variety of materials and found objects, often employing wit, frivolity, and travesty to subvert norms and conformities. He approaches life, drag, and art braced by the cabaret motto, “Change outfits as often as possible.”
You can view Curtsy’s artwork on the Visual AIDS Artist Registry here.
Milton Garcia Ninja
Milton Garcia Ninja (A.K.A. MGNinja) is a cartoonist whose poetry alongside his cartoon vignettes are prolific in portraying aspects of his life and the lives of those around him. A member of the Legendary House of Ninja in NYC’s House/Ballroom scene and deemed an icon within this creative community, Milton continues to inspire LGBTQ youth, young adults and other communities with his takes on beauty in the simplicity of life. He is an artist, cartoonist, voguer, dancer, choreographer and public speaker who defies conventional truths in society and depicts life through his artwork plus his other endeavors in an enjoyable, yet powerful fashion.
In August 2002, Milton was diagnosed HIV-positive and has never lost his commitment to enlightening everyone he knows and meets through his unique life experiences. His tenacity in living each moment as if it was the last went abruptly in check when he discovered his spiritual destiny at the help of his deceased grandmother’s influence. He has managed to survive self-induced conditions due to mental and emotional issues, which included drug addiction, and learning to love himself again as well as his partner of 7 years in good and bad times.
Milton’s cartoon vignettes are what he calls sometimes a “pictorial diary” of what inspires and drives him to better himself and others around him. Milton Garcia Ninja is a cartoonist among other talents who is committed to documenting his life experiences and moments some may take for granted, but he never does. From subjects as simple as the color red and strawberries to complex issues such as infidelity in relationships, Milton Garcia Ninja (A.K.A. MGNinja) still has a relevant point of view that is both unique and interpretative in a captivating light. His colorful, playful, and expressive cartoons will endure in your memory and your heart.
You can view Milton’s artwork on the Visual AIDS Artist Registry here.