Sutan Amrull, a multifaceted individual, assumed the guise of Raja Gemini, a mesmerizing stage persona, and entered this world on the auspicious day of June 14th, 1974, in the picturesque city of Baldwin Park, California, a place where the warm California sun and the gentle breeze of the San Gabriel Valley converged to create a unique blend of natural beauty and urban charm.
At a tender age of merely three years old, his family made the significant and life-altering decision to relocate to Indonesia, a country steeped in cultural richness and heritage, where his father's ancestral roots and historical ties lay. This pivotal period spent abroad, marked by the cross-cultural exchange and exposure to the vibrant traditions of the Indonesian people, would have a profound and lasting impact on his artistic pursuits, shaping the very fabric of the person he would eventually become, his creativity, perspectives, and worldview forever influenced by the experiences and memories formed during this formative period of his life.
As a teenager, Amrull's fascination with the vibrant and captivating world of drag started to take hold, slowly but surely, as he regularly accompanied his friends to the bustling nightclubs of Los Angeles, immersing himself in the electrifying atmosphere and discovering a deep sense of inspiration in the goth and punk subcultures that would later serve as the foundation for the development of his unique drag persona, a persona that would eventually become a reflection of his own creative expression and artistic identity.
Amrull's journey into the world of drag was marked by a sense of curiosity and wonder, as he was drawn to the vibrant colors, bold styles, and unapologetic self-expression that defined the drag culture of the time. As he spent more time in the clubs, he began to notice the way that drag queens could transform themselves into entirely new personas, using makeup, wigs, and costumes to create characters that were both familiar and yet utterly unique.
As Amrull continued to explore the world of drag, he found himself drawn to the goth and punk subcultures that were prevalent in the clubs he frequented. He was captivated by the dark, moody aesthetic of the goth scene, with its emphasis on black lipstick, fishnet stockings, and heavy eyeliner. At the same time, he was also drawn to the punk scene, with its emphasis on DIY ethics, anti-establishment sentiments, and raw, unbridled energy.
As he delved deeper into these subcultures, Amrull began to see the connections between them and the world of drag. He realized that the same sense of rebellion and nonconformity that defined the goth and punk scenes was also present in the drag culture, where performers were free to express themselves in ways that were unapologetically bold and unorthodox.
This realization would eventually serve as the foundation for the development of Amrull's unique drag persona, a persona that would blend elements of goth, punk, and drag to create a character that was both familiar and yet utterly unique. As he continued to explore the world of drag, Amrull would use these influences to create a persona that was both a reflection of his own creative expression and a celebration of the diversity and inclusivity that defined the drag culture.
As Amrull embarked on his academic journey, he found himself drawn to the world of art, opting to enroll in a university program that would allow him to nurture his creative talents and uncover the depths of his artistic potential. For a period of two years, he dedicated himself to honing his skills, immersing himself in the world of art and allowing his imagination to flourish.
As the years went by, Amrull's fascination with the art of makeup artistry continued to intensify, slowly but surely guiding him away from the traditional path of art and towards a new and exciting career in the ever-changing landscape of makeup artistry.
As the calendar page turned over to the year 2011, a transformative moment in the illustrious career of the gifted and charismatic individual, Amrull, was poised to take center stage. This watershed moment would go on to define a significant turning point in his journey, as he emerged victorious as the winner of the third season of the highly acclaimed and widely popular television program, RuPaul's Drag Race. This outstanding achievement not only cemented his status as one of the show's most beloved and admired contestants, but also earned him widespread recognition and admiration for his exceptional fashion sense and impressive catwalk abilities, which had been consistently showcased throughout the competition.
Noted makeup artist and television personality, Amrull, has made a lasting impression on the entertainment industry through his exceptional skills and expertise. For an impressive eight consecutive cycles, from cycle four to cycle twelve, he played a pivotal role as a main artist on the popular television show America's Next Top Model.
During his tenure, Amrull brought his innovative approach and creative flair to the forefront, working closely with esteemed clients who are renowned for their work in the fashion and entertainment industries. His impressive client roster is a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication, featuring the likes of supermodel Tyra Banks, legendary model and businesswoman Iman, iconic burlesque performer Dita Von Teese, inimitable entertainer RuPaul, and legendary actress and model Pamela Anderson.
Amrull, a multifaceted and accomplished individual, has been enthusiastically engaged in a wide range of creative pursuits since 2014. Among his most notable endeavors is hosting a weekly YouTube series, aptly titled RuPaul's Drag Race Fashion Photo Ruview, in collaboration with his fellow contestant David Petruschin, who is better known by his drag persona Raven. This extremely popular series can be discovered on the WowPresents channel, where Amrull and Raven freely share their expertise and witty banter as they thoroughly critique and thoughtfully discuss the fashion choices of contestants from RuPaul's Drag Race.
Amrull's professional endeavors extend far beyond his popular YouTube series, as he has made significant appearances on various television shows, thereby showcasing his remarkable versatility and impressive range as a performer.
With a kaleidoscopic approach to artistic expression, Amrull has embarked upon a multifaceted creative odyssey, venturing into a plethora of creative realms, including the melodic domain of music, where he has had the opportunity to experiment with a wide range of sonic textures and harmonies, ultimately crafting a unique artistic identity that is both eclectic and innovative.
The talented individual made his highly anticipated musical debut with the release of his very first single, titled "Diamond Crowned Queen", which garnered substantial commercial success by remarkably reaching the thirty-fifth spot on the prestigious Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs chart, a notable achievement that showcased his artistic prowess and ability to resonate with a wide audience.
Over the course of the ensuing years, Amrull persistently refined his artistic skills, issuing a succession of singles in 2012 and 2013, thereby conclusively establishing his enduring presence within the music industry's ever-evolving landscape.
Amrull's multifaceted talents were on full display in 2014 when he embarked on a unique lip-syncing collaboration with the exceptionally gifted Manila Luzon at the Drag Race Battle of the Seasons.
Notably, Amrull has made a significant appearance in the music video for Blondie's 2017 single "Fun", a collaborative effort that has undoubtedly expanded his artistic repertoire and further amplified his exposure to a broader audience.
Notably, Amrull's remarkable career trajectory has transcended his impressive achievements in television and music, as he has also made significant appearances in various advertising campaigns, showcasing his versatility and adaptability.
One such notable endeavor was his involvement with Diesel's "Make Love Not Walls" initiative, a groundbreaking project that aims to promote unity, acceptance, and inclusivity, highlighting the importance of breaking down social barriers and fostering a sense of community.
Furthermore, Amrull collaborated with fellow drag queens of immense talent and flair, including Alaska Thunderfuck, Jiggly Caliente, and Katya Zamolodchikova, for Urban Decay, a prominent and influential cosmetics brand, bringing his unique charm and charisma to the campaign, and undoubtedly leaving a lasting impression on audiences worldwide.
Amrull's ascendance to prominence and widespread acclaim is exemplified by his appearance on the cover of New York Magazine in June 2019, where he was prominently featured alongside a diverse and accomplished group of 37 fellow drag queens. This esteemed publication is a revered authority on popular culture and the entertainment industry, and Amrull's inclusion on the cover is a notable milestone in his professional journey, serving as a testament to his growing influence and recognition within the realm of drag culture.
December 2017 marked a transformative chapter in Amrull's life as he decided to embark on a lifelong commitment with his cherished partner, Ryan Turner, in a heartfelt ceremony that would forever be etched in the annals of his personal history.
